Mary, operating under the username Mira Janedas, is a 28-year-old scammer based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is known for engaging in romance and trust-based scams, using a fabricated identity to deceive individuals online. Presenting herself as a white woman, Mary initiates contact through dating platforms, social media, and messaging apps, aiming to build quick emotional connections with unsuspecting victims.
Her strategy is methodical and emotionally manipulative. Conversations often begin with friendly or flirtatious messages, gradually becoming more personal and affectionate. She invests time in gaining the victim’s trust, using flattery, consistency, and emotional storytelling to create a false sense of closeness.
Once the victim is emotionally engaged, Mary introduces a fabricated problem-typically a crisis that requires urgent financial help. Common scenarios include medical emergencies, visa or travel issues, lost luggage, or family-related distress. These situations are entirely made up and designed to elicit sympathy and prompt the victim to send money.
She often uses excuses to avoid video calls or in-person meetings, citing technical problems, personal hardship, or safety concerns. Her refusal to verify identity is a major red flag, along with requests for money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or other hard-to-trace methods.
The use of the alias Mira Janedas and a seemingly Western persona is intentional, meant to disarm skepticism and establish trust more easily. Though Mary may appear to be acting alone, her tactics align with those used by organized scam groups in West Africa.
Anyone contacted by someone named Mary or Mira Janedas, especially if financial requests follow emotional conversations, should remain cautious. Do not send money or share personal information. Instead, report the profile to the relevant platform and notify cybercrime authorities. Remaining vigilant is the best defense against online fraud.