Romance scams occur when fraudsters pretend to form emotional connections with victims to manipulate them into sending money or personal information. These scammers often pose as loving and trustworthy individuals on dating sites, social media platforms, and messaging apps, gradually gaining trust before making financial demands.
If someone you’ve never met in person starts asking for money or making dramatic excuses for why they can’t meet, it’s likely a scam.
Common Types of Romance & Relationship Scams
Scammers use a variety of tactics to emotionally manipulate their victims and steal money, personal details, or financial access. Some of the most common romance fraud schemes include:
- Online Dating Scams – Scammers create fake profiles and fake emotional connections to exploit victims financially.
- Military Romance Scams – Fraudsters pretend to be deployed soldiers needing financial assistance.
- Investment Romance Scams – Scammers convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency or business schemes.
- Long-Distance Love Scams – Criminals claim to be in another country and need money for travel, emergencies, or visa fees.
- Catfishing Scams – Fraudsters use stolen photos and identities to build fake relationships online.
Understanding these scams helps you avoid emotional and financial heartbreak.
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
To ensure your safety while dating online, follow these key protective steps:
✅ Be skeptical of online relationships – If someone moves too fast or avoids meeting in person, it’s a red flag.
✅ Never send money or share financial details – A real romantic partner will never ask for money.
✅ Verify their identity – Use reverse image searches to check if their profile photos belong to someone else.
✅ Look out for inconsistencies – Scammers often struggle to keep their stories straight.
✅ Report romance scams – Alert dating platforms and authorities to prevent others from being targeted.
By staying vigilant and prioritizing safety, you can protect your heart and finances from online romance scams.
