Detecting Online Dating Scams: What You Need to Know
In today’s digital world, social media and dating apps have become essential tools for making friends and finding love. As more people look for meaningful relationships online, scammers are taking advantage of this trend. These romance scams can be emotionally devastating and financially costly. These scams, also known as online dating fraud, are increasing in number and sophistication.
At their core, romance scams rely on social engineering—manipulating individuals to believe they have formed a genuine connection with another person online in order to gain their trust. Scammers take advantage of the natural human desire for companionship and trust, exploiting these qualities with ruthless efficiency. Once the scammer gains the victim’s trust, he or she eventually begins asking for money or enough personal information to steal their identity.
Anyone can fall victim to these scams, but older people often face larger financial losses due to having more assets. About two-thirds of victims are women, with an average age of 50. Romance scams are especially cruel because they exploit people’s emotions, making it crucial to recognize the warning signs and protect yourself.
[RELATED: Signs of Identity Fraud]
Common Types of Romance Scams
Military Romance Scams:
Scammers pose as soldiers using stolen or fake profiles. They build emotional connections with victims and eventually request money for supposed emergencies, like internet access or medical bills. (Click here to read the US Army’s statement on military romance scams.)
Photo Scams:
Victims are encouraged to share personal information in exchange for intimate photos, which can be used for fraud.
Intimate Activity Scams:
Victims are persuaded to perform intimate acts on camera, only to be blackmailed later with threats of sharing the recording.
Fake Dating Sites:
Scam dating sites pretend to offer real matchmaking, but are either empty or full of scammers. They often ask for detailed personal information, such as financial data or security answers, under the guise of creating a dating profile.
Inheritance Scams:
Scammers claim they need money to access a large inheritance, asking victims for financial help.
Code Verification Scams:
A common dating app scam involves fake verification requests via email or text, claiming that the dating site or app needs to update its records. Scammers use third-party links to collect personal information, such as your name, address, and financial details.
Malware Scams:
Scammers direct victims to web pages that infect their devices with malware, leading to data theft.
Warning Signs of Romance Scams
If someone you are communicating with online shows any of the following signs, you may be interacting with a romance scammer:
- Claims to be living, working, or traveling abroad.
- Appears to be much younger than you.
- Poor grammar, despite claiming to speak English fluently.
- Large age differences between you and them.
- Quickly professes love.
- Inconsistent or contradictory stories.
- Generic or suspicious photos.
- Talks about meeting soon, but never follows through.
- Excuses for avoiding video calls or unclear visibility during them.
- Attempts to move the conversation off the original platform.
- Asks for money, especially via non-traditional means like cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- Avoids questions or becomes combative when questioned.
- Contact from your bank about suspicious transactions.
[RELATED: Are You Being Catfished?]
Common Payment Methods Used by Romance Scammers
As romance scams evolve, so do the methods scammers use to extract money. The vast majority of payments to romance scammers are made via cryptocurrency or bank wires, with gift cards and payment apps being other common methods. These options provide anonymity, making it difficult to recover funds once sent.
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
Awareness is the first step to prevention. Share information about romance scams with friends and family to help safeguard against becoming a victim. Here are some practical tips:
–Be cautious of unsolicited contacts. Ignore calls or texts from unknown numbers and never share personal information.
–Block unknown numbers. Report them as spam.
–Avoid sending money. Do not send money to anyone you haven’t met in person.
–Stay on platform. Avoid moving conversations off the original site or app.
–Be mindful of online sharing. Scammers use personal details to craft their cons.
–Beware of urgency. Don’t be rushed into making decisions.
–Research individuals. Check for reused images or profiles online.
–Trust your instincts. If something feels off, talk to someone you trust.
[To learn more from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Click here.]
What to do If you think you're being scammed
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, take these steps:
-Don’t blame yourself. Scammers are skilled manipulators.
-Cut off communication. Stop all contact immediately.
-Confide in someone you trust. Share your concerns.
-Report the scam. Notify the platform and law enforcement.
-Monitor financial accounts. Look for unusual transactions.
-Report to authorities. File a fraud complaint with the FTC and consider credit freezes.
At CGA Solutions, we understand the emotional and financial toll that romance scams can take on individuals and their loved ones. If you suspect that you or someone you care about may be a victim of a romance scam, we are here to help.
Our experienced investigators specialize in verifying the identities and backgrounds of individuals you meet online. We conduct thorough background investigations to uncover fraudulent activity and gather crucial evidence.
Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind by identifying the true intentions of the person on the other side of the screen. Whether you’ve shared personal or financial information or simply have doubts about someone you’ve met online, our team is dedicated to helping you assess potential risks and safeguard against further exploitation. Let us assist you in navigating these challenging situations and ensuring your safety and security.
