Online dating scams

Romance scams are a type of online fraud criminals false identities and establish romantic relationships with individuals on dating sites, social media platforms, or other online spaces. Their ultimate goal is to manipulate and deceive victims into sending money, providing personal information, or even engaging in illegal activities. These scams can cause emotional harm to victims who think they have established a real connection with someone.

How Romance Scams Work:
Creating a Fake Profile: Scammers use stolen photos and fabricated personal information to highly attractive profiles on dating sites and social media platforms.
Building Trust: Once a connection is established, scammers invest time and energy into building trust and rapport. They engage in extensive conversations, looking for common interests and vulnerabilities to exploit.
Exploiting Emotions: Scammers will play on the victim''''''''s emotions and make up stories of personal struggles, tragic events, or challenging circumstances to evoke sympathy and a desire for help from the victim.
Financial Requests: After establishing an emotional connection, scammers will inevitably bring up financial crises. They may ask for urgent medical expenses, unforeseen emergencies, or visa fees to visit the victim. Requests for money are often presented as temporary setbacks that can be resolved with the victim''''''''s help.
Disappearing acts: After receiving money or personal information, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim heartbroken and financially devastated.

Tips to avoid falling victim to romance scams:
Scammers are often eager to make an emotional commitment, so it’s important not to rush into it. Take your time getting to know the person before sharing personal information or sending money, and be wary of people who express their love too quickly.
Be careful about what you post online. Scammers can use the details you share on social media and dating sites to get to know you better and target you.
Use reverse image search to check if profile pictures have been stolen from other sources.
Avoid sharing sensitive information such as home address, work location, or financial details until you have established a real, trusted relationship.
Insist on verifying the person’s identity over a video call.
Be wary if the person promises to meet in person but always makes excuses about why they can’t meet up.
Never send money to someone you’ve only spoken to online or over the phone.
Learn about common scam tactics and recognize potential red flags in conversations and behavior.

Report a romance scam:
If you paid a romance scammer using a gift card, wire transfer, credit or debit card, or cryptocurrency, contact the company or your bank immediately. Tell them you paid the scammer and ask them to return your money.