Don’t Fall Victim to Romance Scams

Don’t Fall Victim to Romance Scams

Love is in the air! You, or someone you know, finally meet the person of your dreams through an online dating site or app. They’re charming, funny, engaging, and share the same interests. Then comes the big question: “Can you send me money?”

More people fall victim to romance scams than any other type of internet fraud, and it costs Americans hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Many of us are online searching for a genuine connection, but not everyone has such sincere intentions. Here, we’ll explore how romance scams operate, red flags to watch for, and ways to avoid them.

What is Romance Fraud?

Romance fraud is when scammers target consumers through online dating sites and apps. They set up fake profiles with made-up names and personal information. Some will use stock images or stolen photos, but some romance scammers will invest time on video calls to try to appear credible.

The targets of romance scams can be lonely or vulnerable people who have been through a divorce or the loss of a loved one. But the truth is that romance scams can happen to anyone. Scammers spend weeks and even months creating a fake persona and establishing a strong rapport with each target. After some time of courting, the scammer will present a sudden and urgent need for money.

Be Aware of Red Flags

Romance scams have many variables, but some elements remain very common:

• The scammer will not meet in person.
• They claim to be far away and frequently unavailable because of work, perhaps for the military, on an oil rig, or as some sort of international ‘consultant.’
• Romance scammers ask many personal questions, both to make the target feel loved and to deflect attention from themselves.
• Scammers often try to move the conversation to a different venue. That’s because reputable dating sites track reports of fraud, and the scammer anticipates getting blocked from it.
• They use terms of endearment, such as “honey” or “sweetie.” They typically scam multiple people at a time, and rather than risk using the wrong name, they avoid names altogether.
• They move quickly, messaging frequently and professing strong feelings early in the relationship.

After weeks or months, the scammer presents some excuse for you to send them money.:

• Scammers create a hardship or emergency scenario, such as a sick relative or legal trouble.
• They offer to finally come visit but, at the eleventh hour, invent an expensive obstacle.
• They have what they claim is a ‘sure-fire’ investment opportunity.
• They specify that the money be sent via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift card, or some other unusual method.
• Romance scammers may express a need for money without asking directly. Once it’s offered, they may even seem reluctant to accept, confident that their target will insist.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid the exchange of money entirely. And under no circumstance should you share details of your financial information or accounts.

How to Avoid Romance Scams

Once you know the red flags, you will be able to identify possible romance scammers targeting you or someone you know. If something seems too good to be true, it is okay to be a little skeptical. Search their name online, or use an image search engine for their photos, to see if any other aliases or reports come up. Get to know the person on a deeper level. It’s not just a matter of time, as romance scammers can be very patient. They should answer personal questions directly and be consistent with what they say.

Avoid any communication regarding financial matters. If you are ever unsure of a situation, talk to someone you trust and get their objective point of view. If you suspect a romance scam, it should be reported right away, and the profile should be blocked.

Use caution with online dating. Many loving, long-term relationships began online. Be sure to take reasonable precautions, and keep in mind the red flags of romance scams.