Love is in the air! Can you smell it?

Well, maybe not. Love is a beautiful thing, whether you can smell it or not, but unfortunately, it can also make us vulnerable to those who seek to take advantage of our emotions. These scams go on all year long but what better time to start up a ‘romance’ than around Valentine’s Day? Sweetheart scams, also known as romance scams or RomCons, have become all too common in the world of online dating. These scams use fake romantic relationships to trick individuals into sending money or personal information to the scammer. But don’t let the fear of being scammed dampen your search for love. We will explore the tactics used by sweetheart scammers and give you practical tips on how to protect yourself from falling victim to this heartless crime.

How Sweetheart Scams Work

Sweetheart scams typically start with a message or friend request on a social media platform or dating website. The scammer will usually create a fake profile, posing as a person looking for love. They will then build a relationship with the victim, often sending love letters, pictures, and videos to build trust and establish a bond.

Once the victim has been fully ensnared, the scammer will make a request for money. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as an emergency situation or for travel expenses to come and meet the victim in person. In some cases, the scammer may even claim to have fallen in love with the victim and ask for a large sum of money to invest in a business or pay off a debt.

The scammer will often continue to make requests for more money, leading the victim down a path of financial ruin. In some cases, the scammer will even use the personal information obtained from the victim to steal their identity or access their financial accounts.

Scams to Watch For

Emergency Scam: In this type of scam, the scammer will claim to be in an emergency situation and need money to resolve it. For example, they may claim to be stuck in another country and need money for a flight back home or that they need money for medical expenses. The scammer will use emotional manipulation to convince the victim to send money.

Investment Scam: The scammer will claim to have a business opportunity and ask the victim to invest money. They may use fake documents or testimonials to make the investment seem legitimate. Once the victim has invested money, the scammer will disappear, leaving the victim with a significant financial loss.

Military Scam: In this type of scam, the scammer will pretend to be military personnel serving overseas and looking for love. They may ask for money for various reasons, such as to pay for leave, a security deposit, or to send gifts. The scammer will use patriotic language and photos of military uniforms to build trust with the victim.

These are just a few examples of the many types of sweetheart scams that exist. It’s important to be cautious and aware of these scams so that you can protect yourself and your family or friends that may fall victim to a RomCon.