In light of the Thabo Bester case in South Africa, where a man known as the ‘Facebook murderer’ lured people to his apartment with promises of a modelling contract. It is essential to be cautious and vigilant when interacting on social media platforms. Bester’s actions highlight the importance of understanding the potential dangers and warning signs associated with online interactions. From a South African legal perspective, attorney Jessica-Jayde Benjamin managing director at JJB Attorneys in Sandton offers some key points to consider in order to protect yourself and others from similar situations:
1. What warning signs should you look out for on social media?
It is important to take the following into consideration when reviewing and/or assessing a person you may be speaking to on social media.
n Suspicious profiles: Scrutinise profiles for limited information, few friends or connections and a lack of personal photos. Investigate the profile’s creation date and friend list to gauge the user’s authenticity. Fake or recently created profiles may indicate malicious intent.
n Inconsistent information: Be cautious of users providing conflicting information about themselves or information that doesn’t match their profile. Inconsistencies can signal dishonest intentions or a lack of transparency.
n Pushy behaviour: Be wary of users who are overly insistent on meeting in person, attempting to extract personal information or pressuring you to make quick decisions. This may indicate predatory behaviour.
n Unsolicited offers: Approach unsolicited offers or opportunities with caution, especially if they seem too good to be true. Thoroughly research affiliated companies and conduct due diligence by examining reviews, company history and associated employees.
2. Legal routes for harassment or stalking on social media:
The following are the legal routes that one may take when faced with harassment or stalking. It is always ideal to contact an attorney beforehand to gain clarity on which route you should take, however, these are the options available to you.
n Report to the platform: Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms to report harassment or stalking. You should therefore contact the website manager and request to report any members that are harassing you and document any instances of harassment to provide evidence of the abuse.
n Obtain a protection order: In cases of severe harassment, apply for a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act. This can be done at the nearest court, with the assistance of a magistrate or an attorney. The protection order will provide legal recourse to restrain the harasser from contacting or approaching the victim.
n File a criminal complaint: If the harassment involves threats, intimidation or other criminal behaviour, report it to the police and obtain a case number to ensure prosecution for the criminal behaviour.
3. Warning signs of potential rapists or ‘groomers’:
n Manipulative behaviour: Look for individuals who attempt to control or manipulate their target, often by isolating them from friends and family. Manipulative tactics may include gaslighting or exploiting vulnerabilities as a threat if the target does not comply with their demands.
n Gaining trust through deception: Be cautious of users who seem overly attentive or share personal information to gain trust. They will often offer grand promises in the return for a meeting or potential job or business offer, which can later be revealed as fraudulent.
n Inappropriate conversations: Stay alert to users who engage in sexually explicit conversations or request explicit content. Predatory individuals may try to normalize inappropriate conversations or behaviour, making the target more susceptible to their advances.
4. What parents should look out for on their children’s social media:
n Privacy settings: Ensure that your child’s privacy settings are properly configured to limit the visibility of their personal information. Regularly review and update these settings to maintain privacy as well as regularly review your child’s social media profile to see who they are connecting with.
n Online friends: Monitor your child’s friend list to ensure they are not connecting with strangers or people they don’t know personally. Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life.
n Signs of grooming: Teach your child about the warning signs of grooming, such as manipulative behaviour, excessive flattery or inappropriate requests. Encourage open communication and establish a trusting relationship, so that your child feels comfortable sharing any concerns or uncomfortable situations they encounter online.
5. Protecting yourself from potential danger on social media:
n Protect your personal information: Exercise caution when sharing personal information online and utilise privacy settings to control who can view your content. Refrain from disclosing sensitive details such as your address, family members or frequented locations unless you are certain the person you are communicating with is trustworthy and can be verified.
n Background checks: Conduct thorough background checks on individuals you plan to meet by searching their names, examining mutual connections and reviewing their online presence. Gathering as much information as possible before accepting someone’s claims at face value can help you make informed decisions about your interactions.
n Meet in public places: When meeting someone for the first time, opt for a public place and inform a friend or family member of your plans. If you are meeting at a restaurant or a similar location, consider notifying the staff of the situation or identifying someone nearby who can provide assistance if necessary.
n Trust your instincts: If something feels off or uncomfortable during your interaction with someone, trust your instincts and prioritize your safety by removing yourself from the situation. Developing the ability to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately can help mitigate potential risks in your online interactions.
Details: www.jjbattorneys.co.za
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