Highlights
- People who fall victim to online romance scams are tricked into believing someone had genuine romantic interest in them.
- Con artists abuse people’s trust to request money or gifts or to get access to private information.
- Recent data suggests men fall victim to online romance scams more often than women.
- Protect yourself by learning to recognize romance scam red flags.
Online romance scams have been on the rise since the advent of dating apps and social media. Many men are under the impression that it’s mainly women who fall victim to these scans. But the truth is, more and more men are falling prey to con artists trying to trick them into giving away money or personal details.
If you’re looking for love online, you must know how to stay safe.
What Are Online Romance Scams?
The definition of romance scams has changed with the growing popularity of social media and dating apps. Romance scams are sometimes called confidence fraud because, in essence, that’s what they are about.
Cyber criminals trick people into believing they have a genuine romantic interest in them. Once they win someone’s confidence, they request financial support, gifts, or access to personal information which can be used for criminal activity — or as extortion tools.
Another type of scam is using someone as an unaware contributor to money laundering or importing illegal goods. This type of activity can get victims into serious legal trouble.
How Common Are Online Romance Scams?
Online romance scams are becoming more common. We’ve seen big spikes in new fraud cases since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, there were over 19,000 complaints about romance scams in 2022 alone. Reported losses amounted to almost $740 million.
Just a few years earlier, those numbers were much lower. The chart below shows the dramatic increase in the number of reports and total money lost to romance scammers each year from 2017 to 2021.
Men More at Risk of Romance Scams Than Women
If we look at the gender of online romance scam victims, men seem to be more at risk, according to some sources. For example, a survey by cybersecurity company Tessian revealed that more men (28 percent) fell victim to email romance scams, compared to women (19 percent).
According to Lloyds Bank, the percentage of male victims of online romance scams in the UK has gone up drastically between 2021 and 2022 — from 29 to 53 percent.
If we look at the affected age groups, the elderly are the most vulnerable, but no one is safe from online romance scams.
Romance Scam Warning Signs
When you’re looking for true love, the last thing you want to think about is cybercrime. You put yourself out there and trust that the person on the other side of the screen will have honest intentions.
Unfortunately, many individuals and groups abuse people’s trust for financial gain. Informing yourself about online romance scam red flags is the best line of defense against them.
Here are some signs that someone may be trying to scam you, according to ScamWatch:
- Love bombing. The person you’ve just met says you’re the love of their life. The relationship progresses very quickly.
- Getting your private number. If you’re chatting on a dating app or social media, they will try to get your private number or suggest moving to a service like WhatsApp.
- Isolation. Scammers often use the strategy of isolating their victims from family and friends. They will ask for secrecy.
- Hiding their identity. You’ll hear many excuses why your match is not able to meet in person or even show their face on camera.
- Money mentions. Many con artists will talk about money and investments or say they will teach you about cryptocurrencies.
What Romance Scammers Say
Con artists are creative but also quite predictable. They often avoid meetings in person under false pretenses. They will also use certain tricks to get their victims to send them money or cryptocurrency or give them access to personal data, including bank account numbers.
The Federal Trade Commission has compiled a list of manipulative statements anyone looking for love online should watch out for:
- “I [or someone close to me] is sick, hurt, or in jail.”
- “I can teach you how to invest.”
- “I’m in the military, far away.”
- “I need help with an important delivery.”
- “We’ve never met, but let’s talk about marriage.”
- “I’ve come into some money/gold.”
- “I’m on an oil rig or ship.”
- “You can trust me with your private photos.”
Romance Scams Are Not Only on Dating Sites
If you think that avoiding dating apps will keep you safe from scammers, think again. Romance scams on Facebook, Instagram, and even Reddit are quite common.
Have you ever received a friend request from someone you’ve never met? Often that someone looks like a military man or an attractive woman. Be careful, as these people may be trying to get into your network and use you and the information about you for illegal activity.
How To Protect Yourself From Online Romance Scams?
If you’re single and searching for love, it’s almost inevitable you’ll end up using dating services or apps. And many people find legitimate life partners on these services, so we’re not going to tell you not to use online dating.
However, we will give you tips to help you navigate the tricky waters of the modern dating world:
- Get informed. The key to staying safe is staying informed. Read the latest cybersecurity news and tips from the experts. You can even set up news alerts to learn about the latest fraud schemes early.
- Get insured. Some insurance companies offer support and legal protection against online threats. Ask if the cybersecurity insurance you’re considering includes online fraud and scam protection.
- Be careful. If your online match is asking for money, stop contact and get support. Report suspected scam or fraud. Never send your bank details or scans of personal documents, even if you’ve been chatting with someone for a long time.
- Do your research. Do a reverse image search for a profile photo to make sure the identity matches. Some scammers use other people’s identities, for example, by stealing photos of attractive women or men. Others simply choose photos from a website or ad. Look for any details that don’t add up in their story.
- Act fast. If you think you’ve been scammed, inform the authorities and lock your credit cards and bank accounts to prevent financial losses.
Be Smart: Don’t Fall for Online Romance Scams
New technologies offer a wealth of possibilities for singles looking for love. Don’t let the news about online romance scams discourage you, but stay vigilant.
If you know the red flags and take it slowly to get to know the person you’re interested in, you’ll enjoy the dating process without putting your money and security at risk.
Your Trusted Source of Information
Here at eDrugstore, we strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information and research on relationships and sexual health. If you struggle with personal issues like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, follow our blog for evidence-based information you can trust. And check out our offerings of FDA-approved medications. When you shop with us, virtual health visits and shipping are always free.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.