Scam #4: The Romance Scam

The romance scam is a particularly cruel form of financial fraud because it exploits a person’s need for connection and companionship. These scams can take place over weeks, months, or even years, as the criminal builds a deep emotional bond with their target before ever asking for money.

This scam usually begins on a social media platform or a dating website. The scammer creates a fake profile using photos of an attractive person stolen from somewhere else online. They might pose as a professional working overseas, such as a doctor with an international charity, an oil rig worker, or a member of the military. These professions provide a built-in excuse for why they cannot meet in person.

The scammer will make contact and begin to build a relationship. They will be charming, attentive, and shower their target with affection. They will communicate frequently through email, instant messaging, and phone calls, quickly escalating the relationship and professing their love. They create a powerful illusion of a perfect partnership.

Just as the target is fully invested emotionally, the “emergency” happens. The scammer will suddenly have a crisis that requires money. It could be a medical emergency for themselves or a family member, a problem with a business deal, or trouble with travel documents that is preventing them from coming home to finally meet you. The stories are dramatic and designed to pull at your heartstrings.

They will ask you to send money, often via wire transfer or gift cards, promising to pay it back as soon as their supposed crisis is over. But once you send money, there will always be another emergency, another delay, and another request for more funds. This can continue until the victim has lost their life savings.

How to Avoid the Romance Scam

Protecting yourself from this scam means balancing an open heart with a cautious mind. It’s wonderful to seek new connections, but it’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs.

Be Wary of a Rushed Relationship. Scammers move fast. Be suspicious of anyone who professes love very quickly or wants to move your conversation off the dating site and onto a private channel like email or a messaging app right away.

Insist on a Video Call. A scammer who is using a fake profile will always have an excuse for why they can’t video chat. Their camera might be “broken,” or they might be in a location with a poor internet connection. A legitimate person will be willing to show their face.

Do Your Own Research. You can do a reverse image search on their profile pictures (using a search engine like Google Images) to see if the photos have been used on other websites or are associated with a different name. You can also search their name online along with the word “scam.”

Never, Ever Send Money. This is the most important rule. Never send money or give your financial information to someone you have only met online. No matter how compelling their story is, do not do it. A person who truly cares about you will not ask you to risk your financial security.

If you suspect you are talking to a romance scammer, stop all contact immediately and report the profile to the website or app where you met. It’s also wise to talk to a trusted friend or family member who can offer an outside perspective.