How do romance scams work?

Romance scams most often occur when someone creates a fake profile online and uses it to build trust and an emotional connection with potential victims. Scammers who engage in romance scams are skilled and extremely patient. Often, they will dedicate days or even weeks to building trust and create complex backstories to garner sympathy. Once the scammer has built trust, they will attempt to get your money or information in a few different ways. Some claim they need funds for basic expenses, travel, or legal documents. Others claim to have a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity or need you to transfer some funds for them. Whatever the story, once they get what they want from you, they disappear, along with your money. Here are some signs the person you’re talking to might be attempting a romance scam:

1. They aren’t able / unwilling to meet you in person.

2. They refuse to talk on the phone or video chat (though sometimes scammers will talk under a false identity).

3. They ask you to move your conversation to messaging apps like WhatsApp or Discord.

4. They ask you not to share your relationship with family or friends, and to not trust law enforcement.

5. They “love bomb” you by showering you with a large amount of nice messages and compliments immediately.

So what do I do?

Never send money to a romantic interest who is also someone you haven’t met in person. If you suspect you may be the target of a romance scam, stop all communications with the person and block them on every service. Be careful what information (pics and videos included) you send to people online, as they can use it to blackmail you or access more information. Don’t keep online relationships a secret. Keep trusted ones in the know. They may be able to pick up on signs you miss. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, and most likely it isn’t Reba McEntire texting you, she hasn’t fallen head over heels in love with you, and she most assuredly does not want to buy a mini farm with you in Kentucky.

(This is unfortunately a real incident where a Roane County resident was scammed)

Be safe, protect your heart, and your money.