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The romance scam trap

Every day, thousands of people fall under the spell of fake online profiles. The profiles are created by cybercriminals to manipulate their victims, gain their sympathy and, eventually, swindle them out of their money. This is commonly known as a romance scam.

How it works

The scammers' modus operandi is simple but very effective. They create a fake profile, often with an attractive photo. With this profile, they establish a strong emotional bond with their victims. The victim thinks they have met the person of their dreams, or maybe just a sincere friend, whereas in reality, a criminal is hiding behind the screen, looking for easy money. Once the bond is established, the victim is asked for financial help, and that's when the problems start...

How do you recognise the scam?

Here are a few signs that should raise your suspicions:

• Emotional manipulation: scammers are excellent manipulators. They know exactly which buttons in order to push to gain sympathy, whether it's telling a tragic story or promising an ideal relationship.
• Location: often, the scammers claim to be abroad, which explains why they can't meet in person and why they need money.
• Money transfer methods: they insist on using methods that are quick (e.g. instant payments) or anonymous and untraceable, like Western Union or Moneygram.
• Recurring requests: once you've sent money, they'll keep inventing reasons to ask for more and more, until you realise that it’s a scam or run out of money.

What can you do to avoid this trap?

Before getting into a virtual relationship or making financial commitments, it's crucial to take a step back, analyse the situation and take preventive measures. Here are a few key ways to navigate the world of online dating safely and avoid scammers' traps.

1. Check the profile: before getting emotionally involved, check the profile's authenticity. A simple image search could reveal that multiple profiles have been set up using the same photo.
2. Keep a critical eye: even if the person you’re communicating with seems sincere, stay on your guard. Consider talking to a friend or loved one who can offer more perspective.
3. Be wary of sob stories, promises that sound too good to be true or repeated requests for money.
4. Don't hand over any money: never, ever send money to someone you haven't met in person.

Finally, the best defence against scams consists of prevention and information. Safeonweb, the Belgian government's official website on IT security, offers a platform to help you test and increase your knowledge of online security. You can learn to recognise the warning signs, protect yourself from scammers, and find out how much you already know.

Take the test on Safeonweb

In short, in today’s digital age, in which virtual relationships play a major role, it's crucial to inform yourself and be vigilant in the face of potential threats. Romance scams hide malicious intentions that can cost more than just emotional disappointment. The key is to keep your mind open, but your heart and wallet closed.