Celje Police have reported investigating a case involving a sophisticated online scam, identified as a romance scam, which remains one of the most prevalent forms of digital fraud. The incident involved a woman from Celje who reportedly transferred approximately 27,000 euros across multiple transactions to an unknown individual met through social networking platforms. The perpetrator fabricated an identity, claiming to be an engineer working aboard a Turkish ship.
Over the course of the second half of July, the individual systematically persuaded the victim to transfer increasingly larger sums of money. When the victim ceased all communication following the final transfers, she became suspicious of the scheme and reported the incident to law enforcement. Police authorities issued a general warning regarding the tactics employed by fraudsters.
They cautioned the public that scammers frequently target vulnerable individuals using dating websites, but are increasingly active on general social media networks and via email correspondence. The common pattern involves the initial establishment of a deep, virtual emotional connection with the victim. Authorities advise that these perpetrators are highly careful and skilled at building rapport over time.
Investigators stress that the deception relies on emotional manipulation rather than physical interaction. The police recommend that individuals exercising caution when receiving unsolicited contact online, particularly when requests for financial assistance are made after building an intense, yet purely digital, relationship. The department urges the public to remain vigilant against these escalating forms of online fraud.
Topics: #engineer #turkish #ship
