Romance Scams: How to Spot Fake Love Online
Love is in the air this February—but unfortunately, so are romance scams. These scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of online fraud, costing victims millions of dollars each year. At Redstone Bank, we want to help you protect your heart and your wallet by recognizing the warning signs and taking steps to stay safe.
What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam happens when a fraudster creates a fake identity online to build a relationship with someone—often through dating apps, social media, or even email. Their goal isn’t love; it’s money. Once trust is established, they use emotional manipulation to convince victims to send funds, share personal information, or even help with fraudulent transactions.
Warning Signs of a Romance Scam
Watch for these red flags when connecting with someone online:
- Too Good to Be True: They seem perfect, share similar interests, and quickly express strong feelings.
- Fast-Paced Relationship: They push for commitment or exclusivity early on.
- Avoiding In-Person Meetings: They claim to live far away, work overseas, or have jobs that prevent travel.
- Unusual Requests for Money: They ask for help with emergencies, medical bills, travel expenses, or investments.
- Inconsistent Stories: Details about their life don’t add up, or they avoid answering direct questions.
- Pressure and Guilt: They make you feel responsible for their well-being or imply that your love depends on helping them financially.
Common Emotional Manipulation Tactics
Scammers know how to pull at your heartstrings. Here’s how they do it:
- Urgency: “I need help right now or something terrible will happen.”
- Flattery: Constant compliments to build trust and affection.
- Isolation: Encouraging secrecy—“Don’t tell anyone about us.”
- Victim Role: Claiming hardship or tragedy to gain sympathy.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Their Identity: Do a reverse image search of their profile photo and check for inconsistencies.
- Never Send Money or Gifts: Legitimate partners won’t ask for financial help.
- Keep Conversations Public: Avoid moving to private messaging too quickly.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: Share concerns with friends or family.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Notify the dating platform and file a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If You’ve Been Targeted
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Contact your bank if you’ve sent money or shared account details.
- Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
- Report the scam to local authorities and the FTC.
The Bottom Line
Romance scams prey on emotions, but knowledge is your best defense. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and remember: real love doesn’t come with a price tag.