Romance Fraud and Scam Awareness

What is Romance Fraud?

Romance fraud happens when scammers create a fake romantic connection to trick their victims. Their goal is to make their target feel secure before asking for money or personal information. This information can be used to steal money or commit other crimes.

If a scammer convinces their victim to send money, they often come back with more excuses to ask for more. In some cases, they ask their victim to transfer money for them, which could involve money laundering – a serious crime.

How to Spot a Romance Scam

Victims of romance scams often report seeing the same warning signs. If you or someone you know uses online dating or social media for friendships, watch out for these red flags:

• They ask a lot about you but share very little about themselves.
• The relationship moves very quickly—they express strong feelings early on.
• Their story changes over time—details become inconsistent.
• They refuse to video call or meet in person.
• They eventually ask for money—often with an emotional or urgent reason.

If you notice any of these signs, be cautious!

How to Protect Yourself

Using dating apps and social media is still safe if you stay aware of scammers. Follow these simple tips to protect yourself online:

✅ Be careful who you add on social media. Avoid accepting friend requests from strangers.

✅ Don’t share too much personal information. Scammers use details about you to make their story more convincing.

✅ Never send money or share your bank details with someone you’ve only met online.

✅ Use reputable dating sites. They have safety measures to protect users from fraud.

By staying alert and following these steps, you can enjoy online connections safely without falling victim to scams.