Romance scams, more formally romance fraud, are frauds in which a criminal creates or exploits a romantic or intimate relationship to gain money, personal information or control over a victim. The relationship is usually online, but the fraud can continue through phone calls, video calls, gifts, fake documents and staged emergencies.
Report Fraud describes romance fraud as criminals creating fake online personas to gain someone's trust and affection under the guise of a romantic relationship, with the goal of financial exploitation. Some versions overlap with so-called pig-butchering scams, where the relationship is used to lead the victim into a fake investment or crypto scheme.
Method
Romance fraud usually begins with attention, affection and frequent communication. The criminal may claim to be abroad, in the military, working on an oil rig, travelling for business, widowed, isolated, or unable to meet because of a crisis.
After trust is built, the fraudster introduces a reason for money or financial help. The request may involve:
- travel costs;
- medical bills;
- customs or courier fees;
- family emergencies;
- business problems;
- release of funds;
- gift cards;
- cryptocurrency;
- investment deposits.
The fraudster may also ask the victim to receive or move money, open accounts, buy cryptoassets, or keep the relationship secret.
Isolation
A common tactic is isolation. The fraudster may ask the victim not to tell friends or family, or may frame concern from others as jealousy, prejudice or lack of understanding.
This isolation makes the fraud harder to challenge. A second opinion from a friend, relative, bank or support worker can break the pressure.
Emotional Harm
Romance fraud is not only a financial crime. Victims can lose what they believed was a real relationship, future and support system. Shame and embarrassment can stop people reporting, but the responsibility lies with the fraudster.
Warning Signs
Warning signs include:
- the person avoids meeting in real life;
- the relationship moves very quickly;
- the person asks for secrecy;
- money, vouchers, cryptocurrency or investments are introduced;
- there are repeated emergencies;
- video calls are avoided, staged or inconsistent;
- profile pictures appear elsewhere online;
- the person asks to move away from the dating platform quickly.
Practical Examples
Travel Emergency
A person claims they want to visit but needs money for flights, visa fees or customs charges. After payment, another problem appears.
Crypto Investment
The fraudster introduces a trading platform and shows apparent profits. When the victim tries to withdraw, more fees are demanded.
Money Mule Risk
The fraudster asks the victim to receive money and pass it on. The victim may be drawn into money laundering even if they began as a fraud victim.
Reporting and Support
Report Fraud advises victims to contact their bank quickly if they have made a payment. Romance fraud can be reported to Report Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland in Scotland. Victim Support can provide independent support.
See Also
References
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