I thought it was love.. .
Romance scams are scams in which scammers create false online identities to establish romantic relationships with their victims, with the intent of extorting money or other resources. The origins of these scams are relatively recent, linked to the rise of the internet and online dating platforms.
With the advent of the internet and the first online chat and dating platforms, the first forms of romance scams emerged. Scammers exploited the novelty and anonymity offered by these platforms to create false identities and deceive victims. The use of email and, later, social media allowed scammers to reach a wider audience: platforms like Facebook, MySpace, and later Instagram and Twitter became fertile ground for scammers.
With the growing popularity of online dating sites, scammers have found new ways to approach victims.
Scammers create fake profiles using stolen photos and fabricated information. They often impersonate attractive, successful people to lure victims.
After establishing initial contact, scammers work to build an emotional relationship with the victim. They may spend weeks or months gaining the victim’s trust before asking for money.
Requests for money are often justified with stories of medical emergencies, sudden financial problems, or the cost of visiting the victim.
Security organizations and law enforcement agencies have launched campaigns to educate the public about the signs of romance scams. They advise people to be cautious when sharing personal information and not to send money to people they only meet online.
While methods and techniques have evolved, the basic principle remains the same: exploiting people’s emotions and trust for financial gain. Awareness and education are crucial tools to prevent these scams and protect potential victims.