A Ghanaian socialite and popular influencer, Mona Faiz Montrage, who is perhaps better known as Hajia4Reall, has been extradited from the UKÂ to the United States to face charges of her alleged involvement in a $2 million romance scam. The 30-year-old model appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday, May 15, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to federal prosecutors, Montrage is accused of being a member of a criminal enterprise based in Ghana that targeted elderly individuals in the US with romance scams. She’s facing up to 20 years in prison.
Many victims believed they were in romantic relationships with a person who had fake identities assumed by members of the enterprise. The FBI claims that Montrage participated in multiple scams and had received money from several romance fraud victims whom members of the enterprise tricked into sending money. The scam, locally called ‘sakawa,’ targeted older and single Americans.
The Instagram socialite is claimed to have been ordered to home detention at her aunt’s New Jersey home in the coming days on a $500,000 bond and is forced to wear an ankle monitor so authorities can keep track of her whereabouts. The case has attracted widespread attention, with many people shocked that a well-known personality like Montrage could be involved in such a scam.
It is noteworthy that the extradition of Montrage to the US over alleged $2m ‘sakawa’ targeting older single Americans is not an isolated case. The internet has made it easier for criminals to scam unsuspecting people through various means, including romance scams. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of these types of scams targeting older individuals in particular. This is because scammers believe that older individuals are more vulnerable and easier to trick.
The rise of digital technology has also led to an increase in cybercrime, making it easier for scammers to remain anonymous while carrying out their nefarious activities. It is vital that individuals take steps to protect themselves from scams, such as being wary of unsolicited messages or emails from unknown people. Authorities have already warned people and said that it’s also essential to verify the identity of anyone you meet online, especially if you plan to send them money or engage in a romantic relationship with them.
In conclusion, the extradition of Montrage to the US over alleged $2m ‘sakawa’ targeting older single Americans is a reminder of the dangers of romance scams and the need to be vigilant when engaging with people online.
While it is undoubtedly shocking that a well-known personality like this influencer could be involved in such a scam, it is essential to remember that anyone can fall victim to these types of fraud. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take steps to protect oneself from these scams.