Romance Scam
"If you love me, you will help me!" - Words like these manipulate
your emotions with the aim to exploit your
trust and take your money.
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Romance scams are heartless schemes where fraudsters exploit your emotions to steal your money. These scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, pretending to be someone they’re not. They may claim to be overseas for work, military service, or some other plausible reason, making it difficult to meet in person.
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Once they’ve gained your trust, they start weaving tales of financial hardship. They might say they need money for a medical emergency, a plane ticket to visit you, or some other urgent expense. Sometimes, they may tell you about an investment scheme that promises high returns or claim they need help with a sudden emergency. They will think of smart ways to exploit you in order to get your bank details and passwords, using emotional manipulation and fabricated stories.
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Common red flags to watch for include:
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Avoiding Face-to-Face calls: They always have excuses to avoid video calls, keeping the deception intact.
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Lack of Online Footprint: They have minimal or no online presence outside of their dating profile, making it hard to verify their identity.
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Inconsistent Stories: Their personal stories and details may change over time or seem inconsistent.
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Rushed Feelings: They profess love or strong emotions quickly, often within days or weeks.
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Reluctance to Meet in Person: They make excuses to avoid meeting in person, even if you are in the same area.
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Protect yourself by being cautious of anyone who professes love quickly or asks for money. Verify their stories and identities independently. Never send money or share personal information with someone you haven’t met in person. Remember, legitimate relationships won’t pressure you for financial help.
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I have been scammed!
Can you I get my money back?
If you have fallen victim to a romance scam, there are steps you can take to potentially recover your money. The first and most crucial step is to report the scam to the authorities and your financial institution. Here’s what you should do:
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Contact the Police: File a report with your local police department. Provide them with all the details you have about the scam, including any communications, images, and transaction records.
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Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank or credit card company about the fraudulent transactions. Give them detailed information about the scam to assist in their investigation and efforts to recover your funds.
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Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information such as emails, messages, social media profiles, screenshots of conversations, and any images the scammer sent. This evidence is vital for both police and bank investigations.
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Seek Professional Help: If you encounter difficulties with your bank or need additional support, consider reaching out to a specialised fraud recovery service like Blockchain Insight. We have experience in dealing with such cases and can guide you through the process of attempting to recover your lost money.
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The key to increasing your chances of recovery is swift and detailed reporting. Ensure you provide as much information as possible to aid the investigation.
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Contact Blockchain Insight today and we can help you with recovering your money.
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