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It’s a tale as old as a smartphone; two people meet on the app and fall in love.
Except, sometimes, the person on the other end of the message isn’t who they say they are – and certainly not the face in the photo they share. For some, it can stop the heart. For others, it may be bankruptcy.
As explored in the new podcast series called Love, Janessa, these romance scams are not always one-off. In many cases, they are part of a larger underground network launched on a global scale to lure people into emotional and financial duress.
The podcast, from CBC Podcasts and BBC World Service by Antica Productions and Telltale Industries, is the story of ‘Janessa,’ a woman whose stolen images are often used as bait in these catfishing schemes. But who is Janessa? Host and reporter Hannah Ajala embarks on a wild journey to find out.
Love, Janessa3:04 a.mIntroducing “Love, Janessa”
“I love that man. I only love him!” You meet someone online. It turns out that many other people think they have fallen in love with the same person. Introducing the search for the unwitting face of the digital con. With the host, Hannah Ajala. Open January 23, 2023.
CBC Podcasts spoke with Antica producers Laura Regehr and Ajala to learn more about the creation of the series. This is part of that conversation.
Most people have a basic knowledge of what ‘catfishing’ is and what it means, based on how it is portrayed in the media. How did your understanding of these concepts evolve while creating this podcast?
Hannah: I look at like many people: the question of how people can be naive to trust someone who is not even really sure is honest, or exists! I have become more compassionate throughout this process. I have been up close and personal with the people affected by this multi-million dollar money making scheme. Real people with real feelings. It kind of gave me faith in how many people wear their hearts on their sleeves than I thought.
Laura: I don’t know yet how sophisticated the catfishing plan can be. I think they are more random – start with creepy messages from strangers – with the goal of making some quick cash. I won’t give away too much of the podcast, but suffice it to say that the assumption was wrong and now we know why – and how – so many people can be ensnared by elaborate, personalized and targeted scams.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve learned while doing this podcast?
H: The witchcraft part of the fraud that the Sawaka Boys do: black magic, voodoo, juju. There are many terms for it. But I wouldn’t imagine voodoo and romance scamming would be connected. It is used more than we think. Oh, and also the amount of money people cheat. It is almost unbelievable to learn about these numbers!
L: I was blown away by the volume and intensity of online romance scams. Many victims are involved in long-term relationships and develop deep emotional ties with scammers (which is not what they are called). The scheme is the definition of a “long con” that is essentially a full-time job for some criminals.
Technology is both the hero and the villain in this story – enriching lives through connection and belonging. But it is also a tool that has destroyed many lives, broken many hearts and drained many bank accounts.– Laura Regehr, producer
What does this podcast say about the role of technology in the search for love?
H: It is almost essential for some people. As the world becomes increasingly digital, online dating seems to only make sense for many of us. There is no shame.
L: When it boils down, technology is the main character in it Love, Janessa. None of the relationships on this podcast are possible without, and the more sophisticated the technology, the more sophisticated the deception. Technology is both the hero and the villain in this story – enriching lives through connection and belonging. But it is also a tool that has destroyed many lives, broken many hearts and drained many bank accounts.
What do you hope listeners will take away from this series?
H: Catfishing is a global phenomenon. It has no face or location, it is everywhere. I appreciate the fact that this investigation expands on this. I want perceptions to change and stereotypes to be challenged as well.
You have to be careful! Humans are unpredictable, especially in how they use technology. A lot happens behind the scenes… Time is precious – and so is money!
L: If the person you meet online seems too good to be true — too loving, too devoted, too interested in starting a relationship with you — they probably are.
There are many layers to this story and many lessons to learn, but I hope that this series will be a fairy tale for anyone who is open to meeting people online. Also, if you are contacted by a stranger out of the blue, beware. Take steps to verify your identity before you enter into any relationship… and of course before you send money!
Q&A edited for length & clarity. Produced by Émilie Quesnel.
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