Dating & Romance Scams
What is a Romance Scam or Dating Scam?
A Romance Scam (also known as a Dating Scam) is one of the most common and widespread online scams today. In this type of scam, a fraudster pretends to be in a romantic relationship with the victim. Using fake identities on dating apps or social media, scammers gain trust and then request or blackmail victims into sending money.
Some Facts about Romance Scams
- In 2019, the FBI reported that romance scams were the 2nd most reported crime of the year.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported over 25,000 consumer cases of romance scams in 2018.
- In 2020, losses reached $304 million — the highest on record at the time.
- Victims include all age groups — from 20-year-olds to those over 70.
🚨 Warning: Scammers often move very quickly to create emotional bonds, making it easier to exploit their victims financially.
How to Stay Safe from Romance Scams
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person — even if they claim to send you money first.
- Take your time in online relationships; avoid rushing into emotional commitments.
- Ask questions and verify details; inconsistencies can be a red flag.
- Perform a reverse image search on any photos they send — if the image appears under different names, it’s likely a scam.
Romance scammers are skilled manipulators. The best protection is caution, skepticism, and never letting emotions override good judgment.