Romance Scams: When Love Isn’t What It Seems

Love is a beautiful thing—but not when it’s a scam. Romance scams are on the rise, preying on good-hearted people looking for connection. These scams don’t just break hearts—they empty bank accounts. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

How Romance Scams Work 

Scammers create fake identities, gain trust, and then ask for money. It usually goes like this: 

• They meet you online. Dating apps, social media, even faith-based groups—scammers know where to find people looking for genuine connections.
• They move fast. Sweet messages, deep conversations, even “I love you” within weeks. They make you feel special.
• They have a reason they can’t meet in person. They’re “stationed overseas,” “on a secret business trip,” or “dealing with a personal crisis.”
• They ask for money. The excuses vary—medical bills, travel costs, family emergencies—but the request is always urgent.

Who’s at Risk? 

Anyone. But scammers often target:
✅ Widows and divorcees looking for companionship
✅ People of faith who trust easily and want to help
✅ Older adults who may be less tech-savvy
✅ Newcomers to online dating who don’t know the red flags 

How Victims Lose Money 

Scammers use different methods to drain bank accounts:
🚨 Wire transfers: Hard to trace, impossible to reverse
🚨 Gift cards: A common scam method—once the code is shared, the money is gone
🚨 Cryptocurrency: Fast, anonymous, and untraceable
🚨 Bank info: They might convince victims to "help" by depositing a check. sharing account details or opening an account for them.  

How to Stay Safe 

💡 Be skeptical of online romances that move too fast
💡 Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you haven’t met in person
💡 Watch for excuses when they refuse video calls or in-person meetings
💡 Talk to someone you trust before making any financial decisions 

If you or someone you love might be caught in a romance scam, act fast. Stop all contact, report it to the FTC, and call us at 833.316.3167 if your bank account was involved. 

Real love is patient, kind, and never asks for money through a screen. Stay wise, stay safe.