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	'''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.

Romance scams are a type of fraudulent activity that preys upon individuals seeking love and companionship online. Scammers create fake identities and engage in deceptive relationships to exploit victims emotionally and financially. This wiki page provides an overview of romance scams, their characteristics, examples, and measures individuals can take to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.
	Report Fraud describes romance fraud as the creation of a fictitious romantic relationship to gain trust and exploit the victim financially. 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.

== Characteristics of Romance Scams ==
Romance scams share several common characteristics:
	== 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.

# Creation of Fake Identities: Scammers create attractive and convincing online profiles, often using stolen photographs and personal information. They establish a false persona, typically as a romantic partner, to initiate contact with potential victims.
# Establishment of Emotional Connection: Scammers invest time and effort to build an emotional connection with their victims. They employ tactics such as flattery, empathy, and building a sense of trust and intimacy to manipulate victims' emotions.
# Deception and False Stories: Scammers fabricate elaborate stories to evoke sympathy and gain victims' trust. They may claim to be in dire financial situations, facing emergencies, or needing money for travel expenses to meet the victim in person.
# Request for Financial Assistance: Once a strong emotional bond is formed, scammers request money from their victims. They may ask for funds to cover medical expenses, travel costs, or other financial difficulties, often citing urgent or compelling reasons.
	After trust is built, the fraudster introduces a reason for money or financial help. The request may involve:

== Examples of Romance Scams ==
Romance scams can take various forms and may occur on dating websites, social media platforms, or even through direct messaging. Some common examples include:
	* Travel costs.
	* Medical bills.
	* Customs or courier fees.
	* Family emergencies.
	* Business problems.
	* Release of funds.
	* Gift cards.
	* Cryptocurrency.
	* Investment deposits.

* Online Dating Scams: Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or apps, targeting individuals seeking romantic relationships. They engage in prolonged conversations, gradually building trust before requesting financial assistance.
* Catfishing: Scammers pretend to be someone they are not, using stolen photographs and false identities to establish relationships online. Victims are often deceived into believing they are in a genuine relationship, only to discover the deception later.
* Military Romance Scams: Scammers impersonate military personnel deployed overseas, taking advantage of the respect and trust associated with those serving in the armed forces. They exploit victims' patriotism and desire to support military members by requesting money for various reasons.
	The fraudster may also ask the victim to receive or move money, open accounts, buy cryptoassets, or keep the relationship secret.

== Protecting Yourself ==
To protect oneself from falling victim to romance scams, individuals can take the following precautions:
	== 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.

# Exercise Caution: Be cautious when interacting with individuals online, especially those who exhibit suspicious behavior or inconsistencies in their stories. Remember that genuine relationships should be based on trust and should not involve requests for money or financial assistance early on.
# Verify Identities: Take steps to verify the identity of individuals met online. Conduct reverse image searches on their profile pictures, search for information related to their claims, and use reputable dating platforms that prioritize user verification.
# Protect Personal Information: Refrain from sharing sensitive personal or financial details with individuals you have not met in person or known for a substantial amount of time. Be cautious of sharing intimate photographs or videos, as scammers may use them for extortion or blackmail.
# Beware of Requests for Money: Be wary of any requests for financial assistance, especially if they come from individuals you have not met in person. Avoid sending money or making payments to someone you have only interacted with online.
# Report Scams: If you suspect that you have encountered a romance scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement authorities and the platform where you encountered the scammer. By reporting these incidents, you contribute to raising awareness and preventing others from falling victim to similar scams.
	This isolation makes the fraud harder to challenge. A second opinion from a friend, relative, bank, or support worker can break the pressure.

== See Also ==
	== 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.

* [[Scamming Techniques]]
* [[Phishing]]
	== 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 ==
	* [[Investment Scams]]
* [[Advance Fee Fraud]]	* [[Advance Fee Fraud]]
	* [[Phishing]]
	* [[Scamming Techniques]]

	== References ==
	* [https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/romance-fraud/ Report Fraud: Romance fraud]
	* [https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/romance-fraud/ Police.uk: Romance fraud]
	* [https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/multi-firm-reviews/combating-romance-fraud-prevention-detection-and-supporting-victims Financial Conduct Authority: Combating romance fraud]
	* [https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ Report Fraud]
	* [https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Victim Support]

	[[Category:Fraud]]