Identifying Romance Scammers
Here are some identifying ways to recognize a romance scammer.
They reach out first on social media (random friend request or a comment on a post).
They begin expressing affection early on, often using terms of endearment and heart emojis.
Have poor grammar.
They have a sob story (widowed, divorced, death of a child, etc.).
A random text message from a "wrong number." They will apologize and then try and start up a conversation. This is typically the format for the pig butchering scams in Southeast Asia.
From a faraway location.
They typically call you their wife-to-be and say things like, "I can't wait to start our lives together."
They want to send you a package (AKA get your address).
If a dating app was used, they will try to move the conversation off the app quickly.
West African scammers typically use "My Queen" as a term of endearment.
They put off meeting, or have to go out of town before a planned date.
They ask for money/gift cards, or to open a bank account. Money requests are typically urgent.
The criminal will keep the focus on you and often seem unusually agreeable.
They present themselves as the ideal partner.
The Professions Romance Scammers Hide Behind
Uncovering the Lies
The Truth Behind Romance Scam Myths
Only the Elderly are Romance Scammed
Scammers will take a dollar from anyone of any age. Older adults have the highest percentage of romance scams reported, but for the younger population, romance scams continue to increase yearly.
Those Having Lower Education are More Susceptible to a Romance Scam
The scam is built from manipulation. No matter one’s education, manipulation can impair anyone’s judgment, and decisions.
Only Women are Victimized into Romance Scams
Romance Scams affect men and women. The percentage of men reporting a romance scam to the authorities is significantly lower than women, one factor being the effect of the “men are invulnerable” stigma.
Online Romance Scams Can Only be Found on Dating Sites
Every social media platform that offers a user-to-user communication option also has scammers. They utilize any tool to catch a victim.
Nothing is Done After you Report a Romance Scam to the Authorities
Cases are being investigated; however, telling the public of these investigations could compromise a case resulting in the inability to proceed with an arrest.
People Romance Scammed Just Send Money to Strangers
A romance scam is built on emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. Brainwashing, psychological hijacking, emotional conditioning, gaslighting, manipulation, THIS is what’s required for a romance scam to be successful for the scammer. They are trained professionals.
Additionally, these scammers are not strangers to victims. They become best friends, partners, fiancées, and, in some cases, spouses. The truth is, ANYONE can be a victim of any type of scam. It doesn’t matter how intelligent or self-aware you are.
Moreover, victims don’t simply lose or give away their money, it is stolen from them. In my opinion, this concept is akin to a criminal holding a gun to someone’s head and demanding all their money, except the weapon is love bombing.
Finally, victims don’t fall for scams, nor are they duped into them; they are targeted, manipulated, and victimized. While this may seem like a subtle distinction, it is critical because it’s the difference between blaming the victims and holding the criminals accountable.
LANGUAGE MATTERS!