LGBTQI+ organisation warns of online dating scams

Thato One Big Family took to the streets on May 15 to raise awareness about LGBTQI+ and crimes committed against this community.
The group highlighted concerns about kidnappings via social and dating apps.
Khosi Buthelezi, one of the founders, said that prejudice and harassment against members of the community are still prevalent in society.
“People have looked for various ways to find their significant partners, and one of the ways they have done so is through the internet.
“Traffickers have taken advantage of this and utilised social media to recruit victims, expand their operations, and control victims by restricting their access to social media, impersonating the victim, or disseminating lies and rumors online,” said Buthelezi.
“As an organisation, we are using social media to educate community members about the difficulties that people looking for love on dating apps encounter and to warn them to be cautious. We call for assistance to develop a support network that allows survivors to connect with one another, form communities, and collaborate as survivor leaders to bring awareness regarding such cases.”
Buthelezi said the aim is to create awareness.
“People looking for love via these apps should remember to meet their companions in public areas before meeting individuals in private, and they must not allow the person to request them transportation, and they must share the registration of the car and the driver's name with a close friend or family member, if using public transport.
“This awareness gives a platform for our community members to talk about discrimination, harassment and bullying that LGBTQ individuals face. It also equips residents with the knowledge and resources they need to create safer and more welcoming environments for their neighbors.
“The organisation is committed to raising awareness about these issues and helping to reduce the discrimination faced by LGBTIQ+ communities,” said Buthelezi.