What Is a Romance Scam?

fraud awareness series

Imagine you're scrolling through your social media or dating app and suddenly, a message pops up. It's from an intriguing stranger who seems to tick all the boxes of your dream partner. Exciting, isn't it?

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In our digital age, it's perfectly normal to strike up connections with people we've yet to meet in person. But what if this seemingly perfect stranger is actually hiding a sinister secret? What if their charm and charisma are just tools used to deceive you? Unfortunately, this scenario isn't just a hypothetical; it's the harsh reality of romance scams.

here's what we'll cover 

Psst... Some of the images and FTC reports referenced in this article include data from prior reporting years. However, romance scams continue to result in substantial financial losses nationwide and remain one of the most costly forms of imposter fraud.

what is a romance scam? 

Romance scams are fraudulent schemes where con artists pretend to be interested in a romantic relationship, only to exploit unsuspecting victims for financial gain. These scams often start on social media or dating apps and can quickly evolve into emotional manipulation.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over 64,000 romance scams were reported in the U.S. in 2023, with reported losses totaling more than $1.14 billion — the highest reported losses for any type of imposter scam that year. The median reported loss per victim was about $2,000, though many victims lost substantially more. While complete 2024 data hasn’t been finalized by the FTC, preliminary reporting indicates continued significant losses tied to romance scams

payment method typically used 

Scammers are mainly interested in one thing... taking your money. They cleverly disguise their intentions behind a romantic relationship, inventing detailed stories to pull you in, all with the goal of taking advantage of your finances.

They often ask for payments through methods like:

• Wire transfers
• Gift cards
• Peer-to-peer payment apps
• Cryptocurrencies

Here's a report from the FTC showing the many payment methods used in romance scams. 

what are common examples of romance scams? 

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In each of these scenarios, the common thread is a request for money from the victim. The scammer manipulates emotions and exploits trust, all with the goal of financial gain. Remember, genuine relationships are built on mutual respect and honesty, not financial transactions. 

how to outsmart a romance scammer

Arm yourself with knowledge and vigilance to outsmart potential scammers:

• Verify their identity: Scammers often use stolen photos and rehearsed stories. Use online resources like Google's reverse image search to check if their photos appear elsewhere on the internet. If they're telling you an elaborate tale about their life, try searching for details online. Does their job history match up with what's on LinkedIn? Is there a news article about that heroic act they mentioned?
• Never send money: Scammers are experts at evoking sympathy and creating urgency. They might weave a heart-wrenching story about being stranded overseas and needing funds to get back home, or perhaps they'll tell you about a sudden personal crisis that requires immediate financial assistance. No matter how compelling they seem, never send money, gifts, or any form of financial aid to someone you've only met online.
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice any suspicious behavior, report it immediately to the platform you're using and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Even if you're not entirely sure, it's better to be safe than sorry.
  

Trigger words to watch out for

Scammers often use certain phrases to manipulate their victims emotionally. Stay alert to these commonly used lines:

• "I've fallen for you quickly." Scammers often profess love quickly to gain your trust.
• "I'm overseas and need funds to get back home." This is a classic scenario where they create a sense of urgency to prompt you to send money.
• "I have a lucrative business opportunity for us." This is another tactic where they allure you with the promise of a profitable venture, but it requires your financial contribution.

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Here's a report from the FTC sharing popular lies scammers told in a romance scam.

what's next?

When it comes to online interactions, remember that real love is founded on trust and honesty. To ensure your safety, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Stay vigilant: Be aware of any suspicious activity or red flags in your online interactions.
• Report suspicious activity: If you encounter any suspicious behavior or believe you may be a victim of a romance scam, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities or the platform you are using.
• Protect your personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information online, such as your address, financial details, or passwords.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your gut instinct and proceed with caution.