UK-based Nigerian journalist and creative podcaster, Hannah Ajala, said in the wake of internet fraud and the concepts of catfishes, people need to request tangible proof before trusting people on the other side of their screens.
Coming off her yet to be released podcast on internet fraud, titled “Love Janessa”, Hannah Ajala reiterated that despite the numerous television programmes, people have fallen victim to internet fraud.
In an exclusive interview on Ghana’s no.1 urban radio station, Y 107.9 FM’s “Ryse n Shyne” with Brown Berry, Hannah Ajala advised that to protect one’s self from despair, people need to engage physically before developing trust for another.
“To protect yourself, I think I look at proof and one that is actual proof. The time is very subjective and we have seen some of these programmes on most TV programmes and we know about these catfishing stories but I think personally the best proof is to see the person in the flesh and to have a conversation with them for at least 10 seconds. Take it old school to trust them,” she told Brown Berry.
Hannah Ajala however believes in humanity as she trusts that there are some “selfless people” on the internet who could generously empty their accounts to help another stranger they’ve only met virtually. She asked people to be careful and have tangible proofs to avoid being a victim of catfish.
“I also think it gives me faith in humanity. Because there are such selfless human beings out there who have never met someone in the flesh but are willing to open their bank accounts and empty fans to them. There are people like that and you really need to think carefully. I understand that these things can be a hindrance but before any personal exchanges are met, I definitely think that there should be like a tangible amount of proof,” she added.
Hannah Ajale’s upcoming podcast on internet fraud, titled, “Love Janessa” is set to be out on January 23 and available to all podcasting platforms. The concept of “Love Janessa” hovers around stolen images of an adult entertainment star being used to con victims out of thousands of dollars, breaking hearts in the process.
Hence, Hannah Ajala embarks on a quest to find Janessa, in this 8-part true crime series and who is responsible for catfishing scams. The podcast is produced for the BBC World Service and CBC Podcasts by Antica Productions and Telltale Industries.
By: Jude Tackie
