Romance Scams

Are romance scams common?
Yes, romance scams are unfortunately very common. In fact, they result in more financial losses each year than any other type of fraud reported to the FTC.

Where do romance scammers find their victims?
Scammers typically target people on dating websites and apps, but they also create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. On these platforms, they may send unsolicited friend requests or messages, claiming mutual connections to gain trust and initiate conversations.

What is a romance inheritance scam?
A romance inheritance scam occurs when a scammer convinces their victim that they need to marry them quickly in order to inherit a large sum of money. The scammer will then try to persuade the victim to send money for travel or relocation expenses, which they claim are necessary to access the inheritance.

Can a profile reveal a romance scammer?
While it’s difficult to confirm if someone is a scammer based only on their profile, there are red flags to watch for. Be cautious of incomplete profiles, profiles with blurry or generic photos, or profiles with very little personal information. These may indicate a fake profile.

What questions can I ask to help spot a romance scammer?
A good way to test the authenticity of someone is to ask about specific details. For example, ask where they grew up and request more information, such as the street or neighborhood. If their answers are vague or inconsistent, it could be a sign of a scam. Additionally, ask for a video chat to verify their identity.

What is the fastest-growing romance scam?
The “Pig Butchery” scam is rapidly increasing. This scam combines romance fraud with investment fraud, often involving fake business opportunities related to digital currency. The scammer builds a romantic connection with the victim and then encourages them to invest in a fraudulent scheme.

What’s the biggest romance scam to date?
In 2021, eight Nigerian men were charged in South Africa for running a decade-long scam targeting over 100 American women. The victims lost a staggering $7 million in total.

I lost money to a romance scam. What can I do now?
If you’ve lost money to a romance scam, it’s important to take action quickly. We can investigate your case and provide you with an Investigation Report and an Action Plan to help you potentially recover your funds.

How to Avoid Romance Scams / Safety Tips

1. Limit what you share online: Be cautious about the personal information you post on social media. Scammers can use this to target and manipulate you, tailoring their approach to gain your trust.
2. Avoid moving communication off the dating site quickly: If someone you meet on a dating platform insists on moving the conversation to email, messaging apps, or phone calls right away, it could be a red flag.
3. Take your time: Don’t rush into a relationship or sharing personal details. Romance scams often prey on those who move too quickly or feel pressured.
4. Verify their identity: Use reverse image searches or check their name to see if the person’s profile appears elsewhere online, especially in connection with scam reports.
5. Never send money or gifts: Regardless of how convincing the person may seem, do not send money, gift cards, or items to anyone you’ve only interacted with online.
6. Protect your photos and personal content: Avoid sending intimate photos or private information that could be used to extort you in the future.
7. Watch for excuses to delay meetings: If the person frequently cancels or makes excuses to avoid meeting in person, it’s a major red flag. Scammers often create barriers to prevent face-to-face interaction.

Scammed and Lost Money to a Romance Scam?

Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Falling victim to a romance scam can leave you heartbroken and vulnerable, especially when significant amounts of money are involved. These emotional and financial losses can make it difficult to take action, and many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed. However, it’s essential to take steps to recover your losses and regain control of your situation.

At Fraud Revenge, we understand the profound impact of romance scams. Our team of experts is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind these scams and equipping you with the necessary tools to recover your funds. We’ll work with you closely throughout the investigation process, ensuring you have constant support and guidance.

You will have a dedicated caseworker who will keep you informed with regular updates, ensuring you’re always in the loop. If you’re ready to take control and fight back, start by scheduling a free consultation call with us. We will outline how our Investigation Report can help you reclaim your money and get the justice you deserve.

If you’re ready for us to review your case and begin the recovery process, contact us at your earliest convenience so we can start working toward retrieving your funds and holding the scammers accountable.

Common Types of Romance Scams

Romance scams take various forms, each designed to exploit the victim’s emotions and financial trust. Below are the most common types:

1. The ‘Classic’ Romance Scam: In this type, a scammer contacts a victim through a dating app, building a fake romantic connection. As the scammer gains the victim’s trust, they push for quick emotional intimacy and often request money or gifts. Once the victim sends money, the scammer may continue to ask for more or disappear when no further funds are provided.
2. Honey Trap Scam: The Honey Trap Scam involves scammers using a fake romantic persona to lure their victim into a relationship. The scammer typically builds a connection online, making the victim feel emotionally invested. Once trust is established, the scammer manipulates the victim into sending money or sharing sensitive information. These scams can also involve blackmail, where the scammer threatens to expose intimate photos or details unless more money is sent. The goal is to exploit the victim’s emotions for financial gain. Always be cautious with online relationships, especially if financial requests are involved.
3. The ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam: Combining romance with investment fraud, this scam targets victims with a fabricated romantic relationship, then persuades them to invest in a fraudulent business or fake financial opportunity. The scam is particularly damaging, with victims losing large sums—often averaging $98,000.
4. The ‘Military’ Romance Scam: Here, the scammer pretends to be a member of the military, often targeting individuals with military connections or support. The scammer escalates the relationship quickly, only to ask for money or gifts, and claims to be stationed overseas when the victim requests to meet.
5. Identity Theft: In this type of romance scam, a scammer lures the victim into clicking a link that appears harmless, but actually enables the scammer to harvest personal details from the victim’s device. The stolen information can then be used for identity theft, draining bank accounts or taking out loans in the victim’s name.
6. Money Mulling: Victims of this scam are persuaded by the scammer to move illicit money, goods, or valuables as part of a money laundering operation. The scammer convinces the victim that they are sending items for a good cause, but this could entangle them in criminal activities.

Key Points:

• Romance scams are widespread, with scammers often targeting people on dating platforms or social media.
• Annually, around $300 million is lost to romance scams, and the average victim loses about $2,500.
• Women are statistically more likely to fall victim to these scams, though men are also targeted.
• Romance scams were the second-highest source of internet crime losses in 2020.
• It is crucial to remain cautious while dating online. Avoid giving out personal details too early and always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, stop communication immediately and report the individual to the platform.

Prevention Tips:

• Stay alert to requests for money or gifts—if it feels suspicious, it likely is.
• Always meet in person before trusting someone with personal information.
• Report suspicious behavior to the dating platform to protect yourself and others.

Romance scams are a type of fraud where a scammer pretends to develop a romantic connection with a victim to manipulate them into sending money or gifts. These scams typically begin on dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, or social media sites, where the fraudster creates a fake profile and engages with the victim emotionally. Over time, the scammer builds a false sense of intimacy, making the victim feel loved and trusted, only to exploit their emotions for financial gain.

The scammers often fabricate elaborate stories to convince victims to send money for supposed emergencies, travel expenses, or personal crises. These scams can have severe consequences. Victims can lose significant amounts of money, possessions, and even experience emotional distress from being betrayed by someone they believed to be trustworthy. The psychological impact can last long after the scam ends, leaving victims struggling with trust issues and emotional scars. Romance scams are particularly cruel because they prey on people’s vulnerabilities and desires for companionship, making it harder for them to see the scam for what it truly is.

Romance scams are increasingly common and can cause significant harm to both your financial stability and emotional well-being. These scams typically involve fraudsters who create fake online profiles to gain your trust and affection, only to manipulate you into sending money or revealing sensitive personal information. Understanding how these scams operate is crucial in preventing them from impacting your life.

At Fraud Revenge, we are committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of romance fraud. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to recognize the signs of a romance scam early. We offer expert guidance on how to protect yourself from fraudsters, ensure your online interactions are safe, and provide steps to take if you suspect you’re being targeted. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your emotions—trust our team to help you safeguard your financial and emotional health.