security

Romance Scams: What Are 3 Excuses a Scammer Use?

Romance scams are a severe problem in today’s digital age. They take advantage of people looking for love, leading them to emotional pain and financial loss.

In 2023, people lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, with each person losing an average of $2,000. This is the highest loss reported for any kind of scam involving fake identities.[1]

Scam artists use tricks to win their victims' trust and manipulate their feelings. Knowing the excuses scammers often use can help you protect yourself and others from these dangerous schemes.

What Is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam happens when someone creates a fake identity online to trick another person into falling in love. Love scammers usually connect through dating sites or social media. They spend time building a relationship and sharing stories that seem real to gain trust.

Once they feel they have earned your trust, they ask for money or personal information. This can lead to significant financial loss and emotional distress.

Love scammers often create detailed profiles with fake photos and stories. For example, they might say they are professionals working overseas, members of the military, or even celebrities. Their goal is to make you feel special and cared for. The longer they communicate, the deeper the emotional connection can become. This makes it easier for them to ask for money later.

Why Do Romance Scams Exist?

Romance scams thrive because they can be very profitable for scammers. Many people who use dating apps seek companionship and may be more vulnerable. Scammers take advantage of loneliness and the desire for love.

Sadly, the internet allows them to hide their true identities, which allows them to operate without fear of getting caught.

Scammers might say they need money for:

Medical bills
Travel expenses
Emergencies involving family members

The amount of money scammers can make varies widely. Some may ask for small amounts at first, but the requests often increase as the scam continues. This manipulation can lead victims to send thousands of dollars over time.

You might also like: How Do Romance Scams Work?

The Dangers of Romance Scams

Romance scams can lead to both emotional and financial harm.

Victims can experience:

Financial loss
Emotional pain
Identity theft

Many people lose significant amounts of money to romance scams, which can lead to debt and financial stress. In some cases, victims send their entire savings to scammers.

Beyond financial loss, the emotional impact can be severe. After they discover the truth, victims may feel betrayed, ashamed, and isolated.

Sharing personal information with a scammer can lead to identity theft. Scammers may use your information to commit further fraud.

You might also like: How to Prevent Identity Theft in Social Media

How To Spot a Romance Scam

Identifying a romance scam can be difficult, especially when emotions are involved.

However, there are tell-tale warning signs to watch for:

It seems too good to be true.
They avoid meeting in person.
They ask for money.

If someone’s story seems overly perfect or dramatic, it may be a red flag. And, if the person you are talking to always has an excuse not to meet face-to-face or do a video call, be cautious.

Finally, legitimate partners do not ask for money, especially early in a relationship. If someone asks for money, it is often a sign of a scam.

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3 Excuses a Scammer Uses to Not Meet in Person

Scammers often use various excuses to avoid meeting their victims. What are three excuses scammers use? Here are common excuses they might give.

1. "I’m Traveling for Work"

Many scammers claim they are away on business or stationed in a foreign country. This excuse allows them to delay or avoid meeting in person. They may tell elaborate stories about their jobs to keep you interested. By creating a busy life, they keep the illusion alive that they are genuinely interested while avoiding face-to-face interaction.

2. "I’m Having Family Issues"

Scammers often say they are dealing with family emergencies. They might claim that a relative is sick or that they are going through a divorce. This excuse plays on your sympathy and can make you feel guilty for wanting to meet. By using emotional manipulation, they can keep you engaged while still avoiding personal contact.

3. "I’m Too Shy to Meet"

Some scammers say they are shy or anxious about meeting in person. They might express a desire to continue building a connection online before meeting. This excuse can lead you to feel more connected to them and think that a future meeting is possible. In reality, this could be a tactic to delay the inevitable and maintain control over the relationship.

Tips To Protect Yourself and Others From Romance Scammers

Being aware of romance scams is the first step to protecting yourself.

Here are some helpful tips:

Verify Identities: Always do some research on any person you communicate with. Conduct a reverse image search on their profile picture to see if it appears elsewhere online. Video chatting is also a good way to confirm their identity.
Don’t Send Money: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. If someone asks you for money, it’s a major red flag. Genuine partners do not ask for money, especially at the beginning of a relationship.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. If a person makes you uncomfortable or seems evasive, it’s best to end the conversation and block them if necessary.

Above all, your safety should always come first.

Safeguard Your Finances With Centier By Your Side

Romance scams are a serious issue that can lead to significant emotional and financial harm. By understanding the excuses scammers use, you can better protect yourself and those you care about.

Always prioritize your safety when engaging in online relationships, and be cautious of anyone asking for money or avoiding face-to-face meetings. Your financial security is important, and being informed is the best way to stay safe.

To learn more about protecting yourself from scams and managing your finances, read Centier’s guide, Protect Your Information.

Sources:

[1]: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2024/02/love-stinks-when-scammer-involved