Romance Scams are unfortunately common, and they can be incredibly damaging to your financial and emotional well-being. It’s essential to understand how these scams operate and what steps you can take to protect yourself. At payback, we’re dedicated to empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from romance fraud.

What are Romance Scams?

There are lots of different types of romance scams circulating, but, in general, they are all cons that involve the scammer pretending to have romance feelings towards their victim. Aim is to lure in the intended mark to eventually persuade them to give or send money or gifts to the scammer. Now, these cons often begin on platform such as tinder and other dating sites.

Romance Scam can have devastating consequences for those that have fallen victim to them. As well as losing money and/or possessions of value, the victim is usually left broken-hearted, feeling extremely vulnerable, and may have trouble forming a trusting relationship for a significant time. This type of scam is particularly cruel and can have long-term effects on the people who have found themselves entangled in one.

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Common Types of Romance Scams

Here are the main types of romance scams that are currently circulating

The ‘classic’ Romance Scam

In this scenario, an individual using a dating site or app will be contacted or matched with a potential partner and get chatting with them. This person, how ever, is a scammer and will attempt to begin the process of getting close to their mark and appear to want to develop a relationship with them. Things could move quickly, and the victim may feel flattered and that they’ve met the perfect match they’ve been looking for. The scammer will often push to meet quickly and may bombard their victim with messages declaring their feelings plans for the future. At some point, however, the con artist will request money or a gift. They may appear extremely convincing in their request, using the emotional connection they’ve carefully crafted with their mark to persuade them to acquiesce to the request without becoming suspicious.

The ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam

The so called ‘Pig Butchering’ scam is a relatively new con that originated in China in 2020: it combines a romance a romance scam with an investment scam. The con unfolds like the ‘traditional’ romance scam as outlined above. Once the scammer has successfully feelings for and secured a connection with their victim, they will request (or advise) their mark to invest in a fake or fraudulent business.

The ‘Military’ Romance

This is another widespread romance scam. In the case, a con artist will undertake research to create a convincing persona, uploading their details onto a dating site in the guise of a member of the military. The scammer will usually target an individual who they’ve discovered has shown support for or who has some connection to the military: they can find this information from reading profiles or by scouring relevant Facebook groups.

Once the scammer has identified a vulnerable target, the typical pattern will unfold: a relationship will be sought that escalates quickly. Within a short space of time, money or gift cards will be sought. When the victim asks to meet, the scammer will claim that they’re currently posted overseas.

Identity Theft

This type of romance scam isn’t concerned with persuading a victim to directly part with their funds but, instead, is about identity theft. This con typically involves a victim (who is active on a dating site) being sent an email from an individual they’ve matched with.

The mark will be invited to click on a link to view some photos of the person they’ve connected with.

Money Mulling

With this romance scam, the victim that the scammer has targeted, and has given the impression of forming a close connection with, is persuaded to move illicit funds as a way to launder money.
The con artist will send the victim money, phones, or valuable possessions and convince them to send these items elsewhere.

Key points

• Romance scams come in a variety of shapes and sizes - we’ve listed the most common above. They are extremely prevalent, and scammers often target people using dating apps or websites.

• It is estimated that around $300 million is lost every year to romance scams.

• The average victim of a romance scam loses about $2,500.

•Different types of scams emerge regularly, so staying vigilant is vital.

• In 2020, romance scams were the second-highest internet crime loss.

• Statistically, women are more likely than men to be the victim of a romance scam.

• Companies like Payback help to Retrieval money lost to most types of romance scams by tracking down the stolen funds and confronting the con artists.

• When dating online (or offline), remain mindful of the potential risks. Never give out personal information too quickly - ideally, once you’ve met in person at least a couple of times. Be wary of anyone or any offers that make that sound ‘too good to be true,’ and if a request for money or a gift is made, it’s usually best to walk away. Trust your instincts: if something seems ‘off’, then stop communication with the person. If appropriate, report the individual to the dating platform using the process outlined on its website.

Scammed and Lost Money to a Romance Scam? Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Those who have fallen victim to a romance scam are usually left heartbroken and feeling vulnerable, as well as having to deal with the loss of an often significant amount of money. These feelings can make seeking help and restitution even harder - victims may even feel embarrassed or ashamed, making figuring out what to do next even harder.

At Payback, we understand the devastating impact of romance scams. Our team of experts can help you uncover the truth and provide you with the tools you need to potentially reclaim your losses. We'll work closely with you throughout the investigation process, providing support and guidance every step of the way.

You will have a caseworker who will send you constant updates and make sure you're kept in the loop during the investigation. Ready to take control and fight back? Start by getting a free consultation call, and we will let you know exactly how our Investigation Report can help you

If you’d like us to review your case to see if it’s one we believe we can win, then get in touch with us at your earliest convenience so that we can start the process of Retrievaling your funds and getting you the justice you deserve.

How to Avoid Romance Scams