ZANZIBAR, July 3 -- AN online magazine has been doing the rounds lately, beating the drums about our beautiful, spiced islands of Zanzibar as if it has just discovered a crime scene behind a coconut tree.

The claim is that Maasai-looking beach boys are allegedly running what it calls “love scams” against unsuspecting foreign women.

According to this little travelling gospel of suspicion, the fellows charm, flatter, promise the moon, borrow the stars and after securing a soft landing in the heart, begin requesting money with the confidence of a bank manager. The script, we are told, is familiar: “I am sick.” “I lost my phone.” “My mother needs help.” “My cow is sick.” “I n...