How to Spot Lies That Exploit Hearts and Wallets
Dating websites and mobile apps make it easier than ever to meet potential partners without leaving the comfort of your home. While some people find genuine relationships, others fall prey to romance scams - elaborate cons designed to open hearts and wallets. These heartbreaking schemes often leave victims emotionally devastated and financially drained.
What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam is a sophisticated scheme where a fraudster initiates a romantic relationship to gain another person's trust and ultimately their money. Scammers build an emotional connection and use carefully crafted lies to manipulate their targets into giving them cash.
They might also try to access the target’s bank accounts, credit cards, or even personal identification documents like passports. In many cases, these scams are carried out by organized criminal groups who focus on multiple targets at once.
Common Signs of a Romance Scam
Romance scammers use sneaky yet predictable tactics to get what they want.
• Profiles That Seem Too Perfect
Scammers often steal photos of models, actors, or military personnel to create an attractive but fake online profile. Their profiles often display few pictures and lack personal details, making it hard to verify who they really are.
• Rapid Declarations of Love
If someone you’ve just met online is already calling you their soulmate or talking about fate, it’s a red flag. Scammers know that intense feelings often cloud a person’s judgment, so they move fast to create an emotional bond before their target asks too many questions.
• Excuses to Avoid Meeting in Person
Plans to meet up always fall through for one reason or another. Common excuses include:
“I’m stationed overseas with the military.”
“I have passport issues and can’t travel right now.”
“I have a family crisis I need to take care of.”
No matter how convincing the reason sounds, a repeated inability to meet face-to-face is a major warning sign.
• Requests for Wire Transfers, Gift Cards, or Personal Information
Eventually, the scammer will ask for financial help. They might falsely claim they need money for:
• Purchasing a plane ticket to finally visit you.
• Covering medical bills for an unexpected illness.
• Investing in a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity.
These requests are often time-sensitive, making it difficult to say no. However, the excuses and requests will only continue if the money is sent to the scammer.
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
Not everyone online is a scammer, but staying cautious can help you avoid becoming a target. Here’s how to keep your heart and your finances safe:
• Never send money or gifts to someone you’ve never met in person.
• Ask questions you can verify - such as their full name, workplace, or background.
• Use a reverse image search to see if their photos belong to someone else.
What to Do If You Suspect a Romance Scam
If something feels off, it probably is. Taking these actions could save you from further losses.
• Cut off contact. Block their number and social media profiles.
• If you sent the scammer money, contact your financial institution. They can tell you exactly how to protect your accounts and possibly recover funds.
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. They share reports of fraud with law enforcement.
Don’t forget to alert the dating website or mobile app where you met them. This allows the platform to remove fake profiles.
Romance scammers are masters of deception, and they can spend months, even years, building trust before making their move. But when you recognize the warning signs, you can avoid becoming their next victim.