Why are romance scams so dangerous?
When emotionally involved with someone, we are often less analytical or skeptical of their motives and can more easily fall victim to criminal activity.
Dating apps and websites are a part of everyday life, and it's more common than not to meet people online and share highly personal information to build a stronger connection.
Typically, the scam starts with a fake profile on one of these apps or social platforms, complete with falsified details, exaggerated claims, and stolen photos.
Interactions are usually via text and email because it's easy to pretend to be someone else and look like a great catch. The scam occurs when criminals try to exploit a person's vulnerability, create a false relationship, and steal money or other assets. The danger becomes imminent once a target is smitten and trusts the scammer.
According to the FBI, "Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money."
Sometimes, the situation veers in the direction of other known internet scams. The new love interest is in trouble and needs money. Perhaps they are stuck overseas and want you to front the cost of plane tickets. They could ask you to receive and hold onto their money for some weird reason. They may claim there's an emergency. In each instance, to receive or send funds, all they need is your banking information. No matter the angle they try, it's always an attempt to leverage your trust and this pie-in-the-sky promise of a relationship to gain access to your bank account. The goal is to take as much money from you as possible.
Another common approach is straight-up blackmail. The evildoer will try to access sensitive photos, videos, or information that could be compromising or embarrassing. The threat is simple: give them what they want, or they will send the items to your friends, family, or employer, or even release it over the internet to the general public, where it will live in perpetuity. Once you agree to their terms, they'll return again and again for more money.
How to protect yourself.
- Be cautious about what you post online. Avoid sharing financial information or clues as to how much money you have.
- Don't reveal anything you wouldn't want to see in your local newspaper or have emailed to your contact list.
- Use internet searches to ensure the person contacting you is who they say they are.
- Don't rush into things.
- Someone who doesn't take no for an answer or tries to pull at your heartstrings to manipulate you is someone to avoid.
- Be skeptical. If things seem too good to be true, they probably are.
- Listen for excuses as to why this person might be unavailable to meet in person.
Knowledge is both power and protection. The Department of Homeland Security advises, "Although this can be an uncomfortable topic, make sure you, your family, and your friends are familiar with romance scams. The more you know about these scams, the better prepared you are to prevent being a victim. Scammers are looking for easy targets. Don't be an easy target".
If you find yourself the target of a romance scammer, it's best to cease all communications and block them from future contact immediately. You can also report them to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.