By Jason Scuglik
The desire for love and connection is a fundamental human need. Unfortunately, online scammers exploit this desire, crafting elaborate deceptions to defraud unsuspecting individuals. Romance scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on trust and vulnerability to steal not only money but also emotional well-being. This article outlines warning signs and provides essential steps to protect yourself from these online predators.
Learn more
What to Know About Romance Scams, from the Federal Trade Commission
Protect Yourself Against Romance Scams, from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The Victim Experience: When Romance Leads to a Crypto Scam, a podcast episode from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
The anatomy of a romance scam
Romance scams often follow a similar pattern. Typically, the scammer initiates contact, quickly builds trust and affection and then fabricates emergencies requiring financial assistance. They continue to request money as long as the victim is willing to send it. Even celebrities are not immune. Kiplinger, a personal finance publication, details a romance scam experienced by a backup singer for Fleetwood Mac.
Red flags
- Rapid declarations of love. Be cautious if the relationship escalates quickly. Healthy relationships tend to develop over time.
- Moving off-platform. Scammers often try to move conversations off dating apps or websites to avoid the security measures those platforms have in place.
- Avoiding video calls or meetings. Consistent excuses for avoiding video chats or in-person meetings suggest the scammer may not be who they claim to be.
- Requests for financial assistance. A constant stream of emergencies requiring your financial help is a hallmark of a romance scam.
Protect yourself
- Be cautious with online relationships. While online platforms can be great for meeting people, remember that it’s easy for anyone to misrepresent themselves online. Share your involvement with someone you trust to help you be more clear-eyed about the relationship.
- Do your research. Use reverse image search tools to check if profile pictures are used elsewhere online. Investigate the individual’s social media presence for inconsistencies.
- Guard your personal information. Don’t overshare personal details online or in early conversations.
- Never send money to someone you have met only online.
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Romance scams thrive in secrecy. If you suspect you or someone you know is involved in a romance scam, don’t hesitate to take action. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities and the platform where the contact occurred. By speaking up, you can help prevent others from falling victim to these manipulative schemes.
Jason Scuglik is information systems administrator at Landaas & Company, LLC.
(Heads Up is an occasional alert on consumer and investment scams.)