Millions of people around the world use online dating sites and apps. And there are many success stories of people finding love and companionship online.
But as well as the successes, there are also online dating scams β and these are on the rise. Online dating scams β also known as romance scams or romance fraud β take place when someone believes they have made a connection or match through an online dating site or app β but the person they are talking to is, in fact, a scammer using a fake profile. The scammer manipulates or grooms the other person to gain their trust over time β ultimately so they can either ask them for money or obtain enough personal information about them to steal their identity.
This type of crime is on the rise. By , that figure had risen to 52, The coronavirus pandemic β which prevented in-person meetings and led to people spending more time online β provided conditions that romance scammers could exploit. While anyone can fall victim to romance scams, older people often suffer a heavier financial loss. Scammers target older people because they are more likely to have assets such as retirement funds or homes, which they can steal. It is believed that around two-thirds of romance fraud victims are women , with an average age of This overview explains common online dating scams, the signs of a romance scammer, how to report a dating scammer, and how to protect yourself from online dating fraudsters.
Most dating scams start innocently enough. Scammers may create fake profiles which look as appealing as possible and wait for victims to reach out and begin the conversation. Or they may contact victims themselves, perhaps claiming common interests or a distant, mutual connection.
Once a scammer has you hooked, the possibilities are limitless, but here are some of the most well-known variations:. With military romance scams, fraudsters may use the name and likeness of an actual soldier or create an entirely fake profile. They send out legitimate-seeming messages, perhaps introducing themselves as near the end of their careers, often with older children and typically widowed under tragic circumstances. The messages are riddled with military jargon, titles, and base locations, which sound impressive.
