Cybersecurity and Data expert, Samuel Kwame Adomako, has warned the public to avoid online romantic relationships.
This warning comes in the wake of recent arrests related to online fraud, which have prompted the involvement of international law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9FM in Kumasi with Sir John on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Mr Adomako, urged the public to approach internet relationships with scepticism and to verify all online engagements, especially those involving financial transactions.
“Romance is a beautiful thing, but trust must be earned, not downloaded from the internet. In all our dealings, I plead with the public to be very careful, verify everything we do, especially when it comes to payments, and stay away from internet romance,” he advised.
He further explained that the legal system cannot prosecute someone simply because they are labelled a ‘Game boy’, adding that legal action must be based on concrete evidence, not stereotypes.
“Before the police or the law would go after someone, the state cannot prosecute individuals simply because they are known as ‘Game boys.’ There must be enough evidence to support any claims of fraudulent activity or, unless someone makes an official case against the person for the person to be investigated,” he explained.
He said romance scams are among the most emotionally damaging forms of cyber crime because they combine carefully manufactured intimacy with financial theft.
The scammers go after your heart, and then your wallet. He said, often, the entire romance scam quite literally follows a script and plays out like this.
First, the “dating” profile of the scammer appears highly credible. Scammers use attractive photos increasingly A1 generated or stolen-paired with plausible personal details and consistent messaging.
Second, the scammer pushes to move the conversation off the app. WhatsApp, Telegram or text messages are pitched as more convenient or more private. This shift is key. Once the victim has been persuaded to move the communications off the dating app, they lose access to built-in safety features that could help to protect them. If they’re using their real email address or phone number, this also potentially exposes more of their personal details to the scammer.
Third, comes the financial request. The scammer may cite a believable excuse -travel problems, banking issues, family emergencies. But it’s not always an urgent plea for help. Many scams now evolve into investment fraud,where victims are steered into fake profit-making opportunities.
Victims may be encouraged to invest “together” or are shown screenshots of supposed past profits. Because the scam is framed as a shared future rather than a request for cash, it can go unrecognised.
EOCO issues red flags to look out for in fraud boys or romance scammers
By Benjamin Aidoo
