Avoiding Romance Scams: How to Protect Yourself or a loved one from Online Fraud

As a 30-year law enforcement veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of romance scams. These criminals exploit emotional vulnerabilities, particularly loneliness, by forming fake relationships online. They use dating sites, social media platforms, and even messaging apps to lure victims. Once trust is established, they fabricate emergencies—often involving medical bills, travel expenses, or urgent financial crises—and pressure their targets into sending money.

Romance scams can be emotionally and financially ruinous, especially because they prey on people’s hopes and dreams of companionship. Here’s how you can protect yourself or a loved one from falling victim:

1. Be cautious of fast-moving relationships: Scammers often move quickly to gain trust, showering you with affection and promises. Be wary of anyone who declares love or deep feelings after just a few conversations.

2. Watch for excuses: Romance scammers often make excuses for why they can’t meet in person or why video calls are impossible. They’ll claim to be overseas or working in a remote location to avoid face-to-face contact.

3. Never send money: This is the number one rule. If someone you’ve never met in person asks for financial help—whether it’s for medical emergencies, travel expenses, or investment opportunities—it’s almost certainly a scam. Scammers use emotional manipulation to create a sense of urgency and guilt.

4. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the relationship before making any decisions.

5. Verify their identity: Conduct a reverse image search on the person's profile pictures to see if they’ve been used elsewhere. Or contact Threat Management NW and let us do the investigating for you.  Romance scammers often steal photos from real people to build their fake profiles.

If you believe you’ve been targeted, report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). By staying vigilant and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these heartbreaking scheme.