Romance scams and social engineering

It's not naivety — it's engineering

Romance scammers are trained, work in shifts, and follow scripts refined across thousands of victims. They invest weeks or months building trust before money ever comes up. Victims are targeted across every age, education, and income level.

The standard arc

1. Contact on a dating app or social platform; profile is attractive and slightly too good
2. Fast escalation: love language, future plans, “destiny” framing within days or weeks
3. Always a reason they can't meet or video-chat: overseas work, military deployment, oil rig, medical emergency
4. A crisis requiring money: customs fees, hospital bills, frozen bank account, plane ticket
5. Or the pivot: “I invest in crypto, let me show you” — leading to an investment platform

Simple tests you can run

• Reverse-image-search their photos (images are frequently stolen from models, soldiers, or real profiles)
• Insist on a live video call with specific, spontaneous requests — scammers avoid or use short, pre-recorded clips
• Ask about specific local details of their claimed city — scripted fraudsters deflect
• Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you have not met in person

If a friend or parent is targeted

Avoid confrontation, which drives secrecy. Share real scam stories, focus on the inconsistencies, and involve their bank. Our resource centre has guidance you can print and share. If money has been sent, time matters — contact the bank immediately.