Scammers on dating apps are targeting the LGBT community in Malta
The LGBT community is being warned about scammers targeting gay people on dating apps after one fraudster allegedly beat up a man within “minutes of his death” when he was identified.
Members of Malta’s LGBT community said that the artists of the conviction meet men on dating apps and offer them “good time” in exchange for money paid online. But then they disappear once the money is sent.
The practice came to light when such a scammer became violent after being recognized by one of his victims, Tom *.
Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) said it had received several reports of such scams after Tom went public.
Tom found the trickster on Grindr – a dating application for gay, bi, trans and queer people – last year.
“I was immediately suspicious because he didn’t identify as gay, so I asked him why he was on the app,” he said. Times of Malta.
“They blocked me right away but contacted me a few hours later on Facebook and asked if I wanted to meet.”
When the two met, the assailant got into Tom’s car and punched him in the head, warning him not to tell his friends or family what had happened and adding that he had ties to the police. .
Tom managed to drive to a bus stop where he dropped off his assailant and went home.
On a separate occasion, he collided with the same man while walking and was beaten again.
“I heard someone shouting at him and running away. I managed to get home. In fact, I could hear blood dripping inside me, “said Tom.
“It simply came to our notice then. I asked my mother to take me to the hospital.
“At the hospital, I was told I was lucky because I only had seven minutes left to live.”
Hospital records show that Tom’s liver was rejected. She was so scared of the man that the first time she spoke to the police officers she claimed that she was injured when she tripped over her dog.
But then he decided to tell the truth after a care nurse warned him that the aggressor could hurt others.
Since I know he’s out there and I know he lives nearby, I don’t even go out at night. Do it in the light of day, do it again
Tom filed a report and the case is now in court. However, the alleged assailant failed to move for the first hearing in October, he said. Meanwhile, Tom is afraid to leave.
“I know he’s there and I know he lives nearby, I don’t even go out at night. Do it in the light of day, do it again, “he said.
‘Hate offense’
One of the people called to testify in the case, Allied Rainbow Communities president Clayton Mercieca, was approached by several gay men who said they had fallen victim to the same scammer but were afraid to file a police report.
In most cases, the husband asked for money on an online app in exchange for “good time.” But then it failed to rotate.
The victims included tourists – the assailant warned them he was carrying a knife and had links to police, Mercieca said.
“This is a case of hate crime, as this person is identifying people who are looking to connect with other men and abuse that connection,” he said.
“The person is hiding himself as a gay person, but does not identify as one, and is enjoying the situation.”
When the ARC reached out to the LGBT community about the case, the NGO realized that the scamming was widespread. Mercieca has warned of cases around the world that have led to rape and death situations. He urged users of the dating app to be careful.
“By all means, dating apps are a way for the community to connect, however, these tools can be used for all the wrong reasons,” he warned.
“When you meet someone on a dating app, continue the exchange on other means of communication such as WhatsApp and Facebook, meet in a public place and during the day, and then take it from there.
“Always take two steps back before you take the plunge.”
* name changed
SUPPORT
If you need support, contact Rainbow Support Services at [email protected], Victim Support Malta at [email protected] or Allied Rainbow Communities at [email protected].
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