Since Netflix premiered its hit documentary Tinder Swindler, there has been huge debate and interest around the risks of dating in the modern world.
While the hit documentary served as an eye-opener to the harsh realities of online dating, it has also proved how easy it is to get swindled by the likes of Shimon Hayut (Simon Leviev) without even noticing.
Longing for love and the need for a partner can leave people gullible to fall for lies and scams, so how do you safeguard yourself?
Here are some tips from psychiatrist Prof Renata Schoeman, head of the MBA Health Care Leadership programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, on how to stay safe:
● If it seems too good to be true, it probably is;
● In romantic relationships, keep some mystery about yourself and refrain from sharing too much, too soon;
● Don t move too fast in a rela' tionship even if he has a jet,
— take your time before joining him on a trip;
● Trust your gut if you feel — that you are being manipulated, you probably are;
● Seek out the opinions of your friends and family, and in the office context, your colleagues or a mentor.
They can be objective and offer perspective to help you stay true to yourself;
● Romance can literally sweep one off one's feet!
Try to stay level-headed, maintain your independence and don't attach yourself to this person's life too quickly;
● If you suspect anything untoward, keep a record of all communications; and
● Never part with your personal information or money at the start of a new relationship. You can offer support without putting yourself at risk.
Schoeman says it is difficult to catch a psychopath in the act; there are pathological liars purposely deceive people to conceal their modus operandi.
"They strategically plan their deceitful stories and use superficial charm to get you addicted, leaving you doubting your valid suspicions and ending up as the victim."
Schoeman says psychopaths are ruthless when pursuing something they want, with no concern for those around them.
"They are status-conscious and their behaviour involves extreme egocentricity, severe lack of empathy and a willingness to engage in immoral behaviour for short-term gains, exploiting others while doing so.
"Many people will claim that something similar could never happen to them, yet cases such as these are not as uncommon as we think.
"Psychopathic behaviour is also not only reserved for romantic encounters. Psychopaths stalk office corridors too, with lasting mental health impacts on their victims.
"The manipulation, deception, inflated self-opinion and back-stabbing of the corporate psychopath can cause work-related depression, anxiety disorders, burnout and physical illnesses conditions which — cost the SA economy more than R40bn annually," Schoeman said.
