Relationship Scams

Romance scammers are masters of manipulation. They typically operate on dating websites and social media platforms, creating alluring online personas to foster deep trust before exploiting it for money.

How It Works:

• Fake Profiles: Scammers use stolen photos, often claiming to be a professional working abroad (e.g., an oil rig worker or military personnel) as an excuse for not meeting.
• Love Bombing: They overwhelm targets with affection to foster rapid emotional dependence.
• Isolation: They move conversations off the dating platform to private messaging apps.
• The Ask: Once trust is established, an "emergency" arises requiring untraceable financial assistance.

Key Red Flags:

• They profess deep love within a very short period of time.
• They constantly make excuses for why they cannot meet in person or use video chat.
• Their stories have inconsistencies.
• They ask for money or your personal financial information.

How to protect yourself:

• Go slowly: True relationships build trust over time.
• Verify identity: Do a reverse-image search on their profile photos.
• Never Send Money: Never send money, gift cards, or financial details to someone you haven't met.
• Consult Third Parties: Talk it over with friends or family if you are unsure.