Scammers often try to play on vulnerabilities when targeting victims. So, it’s not surprising that they'd target someone who may be feeling lonely and looking for companionship online. Read on to learn more about romance scams, how they typically unfold, and how to protect yourself.
What is a Romance Scam?
Romance scams occur when a fraudster poses as an individual looking for love, typically on an online dating site.
They begin a conversation with someone on the site and quickly try to escalate the relationship – telling their victim that they’ve fallen in love with them. It’s common for the fraudster to say they live in another country, squashing the possibility of easily meeting in person.
Once they have their victim hooked, they attempt to take their money.
How do Romance Scammers Steal Money?
Once the romance scammer has convinced their victim that they’re looking for a real relationship, it’s common for a sad story to begin to unfold. Examples include:
- They’re so in love with the victim but can’t afford to come to the United States to be with them.
- They’ve gotten into trouble at home and need help paying a fine or fee they’ve been charged.
- A relative of theirs has fallen ill, and they’re short on the cash needed to pay their medical bills.
Regardless of the story, the next step is often the same – the fraudster asks the victim to send money, often via wire payment.
Once they receive the money, they’re gone. And because it was sent via wire transfer, the funds are usually untraceable, meaning the victim's cash is gone, too.
How Can You Spot a Romance Scam?
While the story the fraudster tells may vary, there are certain red flags that are usually present in any romance scam. The scammer usually:
- “Falls in love” with their victim quickly
- Can’t meet in person
- Lives in another country
- Has financial problems or a sad story
- Asks for you to wire cash
- Encourages quick and urgent action
Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
Being informed about scams is one of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim. If something feels off or causes you to be suspicious, trust your gut and stop communicating with the fraudster.
For more information about common money mule scams and how to protect yourself and your finances, visit the Security section of our blog.
The content provided in this publication is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by PSECU. PSECU does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. PSECU does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. PSECU does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. PSECU recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.