Understanding Romance Scams: Protect Yourself from Fake Profiles and Fraudulent Requests
At BankProv, we care about your financial security and want to ensure you are aware of common scams that could put you at risk. One such scam that has been on the rise is romance scams. These deceptive schemes target individuals looking for online relationships, using fake profiles to build a relationship with you—only to exploit your trust and ultimately steal your money.
What Is a Romance Scam?
Romance scams typically involve a scammer creating a fake online profile, often on dating sites or social media platforms, to establish a connection with their victim. Once a relationship is built, the scammer may fabricate an urgent situation, such as needing money for medical or legal expenses, a travel family emergency, or even a sudden business crisis or investment opportunity, and ask the victim to send money.1
While romance scams can affect anyone, they are particularly harmful because they prey on the emotions and trust that come with a budding relationship. The scammer's goal is to manipulate the victim into sending money, sometimes starting small amount, with the intentions of it happening over a long period of time.
How Do Romance Scams Work?
Here’s a typical scenario:
- The Fake Profile – The scammer creates an attractive or emotionally compelling fake profile, almost always using stolen photos of someone else. They may present themselves as someone serving in the military, working overseas, or dealing with a difficult life situation to establish a sense of urgency.
- Building Trust – Through texting, phone calls, or social media chats, the scammer builds rapport and trust. They may share personal stories or show signs of vulnerability to make you feel closer to them.
- The Ask for Money – Once the scammer believes they’ve earned your trust, they will ask for money. The request might sound reasonable at first—perhaps for a plane ticket to visit a sick relative—but as they continue to build the “relationship,” they’ll fabricate even more emergencies to keep you sending money.
- The Ongoing Scam – Romance scammers are skilled manipulators. They often continue the scam over weeks, months, or even years, using increasingly creative reasons to justify why they can’t meet in person and why they need more money.
Signs of a Romance Scam
It can be difficult to spot a romance scam, especially when the scammer seems genuine. Here are some common red flags:
- They won’t meet in person: If someone seems reluctant to meet in person or make video calls, that could be a warning sign.
- They ask for money early on: Scammers often ask for money before a genuine relationship has developed. If someone you’ve just met online requests money, be suspicious.
- Their stories sound too perfect: Scammers often have elaborate, heartbreaking tales, but they’re likely scripted to gain your sympathy and trust.
- They keep their identity secret: If they never share personal information, photos, or details about their life outside of the relationship, this could be a scam.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are some steps you can take to avoid falling victim to a romance scam:
- Be cautious when sending money: Never send money or gifts to someone you’ve never met in person. If someone claims to need money, this is a major warning sign.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off or if you're feeling pressured to send money, take a step back and reassess the situation. Scammers will often create a sense of urgency to manipulate you into acting quickly.
- Do a reverse image search: If you suspect the person you’re talking to online is using a fake profile picture, you can use reverse image search tools like Google Images to check if their photo appears elsewhere on the internet.
- Talk to someone you trust: If you’re unsure about an online relationship, talk to a close friend, family member, or even a BankProv representative. A fresh perspective can help you spot warning signs that you might overlook.
- Report the scam: If you believe you’ve been targeted by a romance scammer, report it immediately. You can contact your bank to block any fraudulent transactions, and you should also report the scam to the platform where you met the person (such as a dating app or social media site). Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) accept reports of online scams.
What to Do If You’ve Already Sent Money
If you’ve already sent money to someone you suspect is a scammer, it’s important to act quickly:
- Contact your bank: Call BankProv immediately if you’ve transferred money or given out personal information. We can help monitor your account for fraudulent activity.
- Report the scam: Report the situation to local law enforcement and the appropriate online platforms.
- Seek support: If you’re feeling distressed about a potential scam, reach out for support from a counselor or support group. Scammers prey on emotions, and it's important to take care of your mental well-being.
Romance scams are a serious threat, but by staying vigilant and educated, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. If you’re ever in doubt or feel uncomfortable with a situation, trust your instincts and seek advice. At BankProv, we're here to help you safeguard your financial health and provide you with the tools and resources to stay secure online.
Remember, a genuine relationship will never pressure you for money. If someone truly cares about you, they’ll want to build trust and respect, not financial dependence.
For more security tips to keep yourself and your money safe, visit the Security Section of our website.
1 - Source: FTC.gov