4 minute read 

Finding your perfect match on a dating site can be thrilling. But beware, there are individuals out there who may take advantage of your emotions and trust. Romance scams are a real concern, occurring daily on social media, dating websites, and apps. These scams can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. In this blog post, we will explore what romance scams are, share insightful statistics, and provide actionable tips on how to safeguard yourself against them.

What is a romance scam? 

Romance scams occur when fraudsters deceive unsuspecting individuals looking for love, tricking them into providing money, gifts, or personal information through social media and dating apps. These scammers may even create fake identities to establish emotional connections with their victims before asking for financial assistance or sensitive details. It's vital to stay informed and learn how to protect yourself from these manipulative tactics. 

Common Tactics Used in Romance Scams: 

To achieve their goals, romance scammers deploy various manipulative tactics. It's crucial to be aware of these strategies and remain vigilant. Here are some of the most common tactics employed by romance scammers: 

1. Creating fake profiles: Scammers often utilize fake profiles, using stolen photos from someone else's social media accounts to deceive their victims. 
2. Messaging you "accidentally": Scammers may begin by sending unexpected SMS or WhatsApp messages, claiming they made a mistake and apologize for the mix-up. They aim to initiate a conversation, referring to it as a "twist of fate."
3. Building trust and emotional connection: Scammers invest time in building emotional connections, frequently engaging in lengthy phone calls to gain trust and forge a deep bond with their target.
4. Requesting financial assistance: Romance scammers often fabricate stories about their financial hardships to elicit sympathy and ultimately steal money. They may suddenly vanish after receiving the funds.
5. Using pressure tactics or fake crises: Love scammers exploit vulnerable moments by presenting their victims with sudden financial emergencies, demanding money to alleviate the supposed burden. 

Signs of a Romance Scam: 

Recognizing the warning signs can help you identify potential romance scams, even if you feel strongly connected to someone. Here are common red flags to watch out for: 

• Pretending to live far away or overseas for extended periods
• Rushing into declarations of love and commitment early on
• Avoiding video calls or meeting in person
• Requesting financial help or making unusual payment demands
• Photos and interests that uncannily match your own
• Frequently making excuses and breaking promises
• Encouraging you to move the relationship off the dating site 

How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams: 6 Essential Tips 

Being a victim of a romance scam can be devastating. Take steps to protect yourself from falling prey to manipulative tactics. Here are six essential tips to consider: 

1. Never share personal information: Never share sensitive details like bank account information, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or addresses with someone you've only connected with online. Legitimate romantic partners do not need this information early on. 
2. Refrain from sending money or making financial transactions: Avoid sending money, gift cards, or engaging in financial transactions with individuals you've only interacted with online. Exercise caution when handling money requests, as scammers often disappear once they've received what they wanted.
3. Protect your intimate photos and videos: Do not share intimate photos or videos with someone you've only met online. If someone attempts to blackmail you using such content, take immediate action to safeguard yourself.
4. Conduct research: Verify the authenticity of someone's profile by conducting an online search. Perform a reverse image search to check if their profile picture appears elsewhere. Be cautious of inconsistencies and discrepancies in their stories.
5. Take it slow and ask questions: Scammers often rush relationships and exert pressure on their victims. Take your time to build trust. Don't hesitate to ask specific questions to test the consistency of their stories and intentions.
6. Communicate through monitored platforms: Keep communication within monitored platforms, like dating apps, until you've met the person in person and can verify their identity. Be wary if someone insists on moving to private communication channels too quickly.

Protecting Yourself and Your Finances Online 

Romance scams are prevalent in the digital age, but by staying vigilant and following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can better protect yourself and your heart. Be cautious, trust your instincts, and remember that your safety should always come first. By being aware of the tactics employed by romance scammers, you can navigate the online dating world with confidence and peace of mind. 

Remember, First Foundation is always committed to providing you with the tools and information you need to stay financially secure and protected. 

Disclaimer: This blog post does not provide legal or professional advice. Always consult with trusted sources for specific guidance on protecting yourself from scams.