Capitol News

With Valentine's Day approaching, romance and relationships are on many people's minds. However, this period also attracts fraudsters looking to exploit individuals seeking partners through social media or dating apps. In 2023 alone, these scams reportedly led to over a billion dollars in losses.

Tom Holt, a professor at Michigan State University's School of Criminal Justice and director of the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training, sheds light on romance fraud and offers advice on avoiding such scams.

Romance fraud involves building a fake emotional relationship with victims to extract money over time. Fraudsters often claim to be in the military or have remote jobs that prevent in-person meetings. Some present themselves as models or influencers using stolen images from social media to appear attractive. These schemes typically start on social media platforms but can also begin on messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Once connected with a potential victim, fraudsters build rapport by finding common interests and creating an intense perceived connection. They then fabricate economic hardships requiring financial assistance from the victim. Initial requests are small but escalate over time if the victim complies. Romance fraudsters use linguistic tactics similar to those seen in intimate partner violence situations to maintain control.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. victims lost an average of $4,400 each in 2023, with total reported losses reaching $1.3 billion nationwide. Globally, this crime represents multibillion-dollar losses. Tracking down perpetrators is challenging due to their preference for payments via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards.

Victims commonly fall within the 50-60 age range; however, anyone can be targeted regardless of age—a fact highlighted by the documentary "The Tinder Swindler," which featured younger victims.

Awareness is crucial for prevention. Victims often realize they've been defrauded only after significant financial loss or when the fraudster disappears entirely. Many feel ashamed and hesitate to seek help from authorities due to fear of judgment.

Holt advises potential victims to scrutinize online interactions closely: verify images using Google Reverse Image Search Tool; watch for rushed romantic language; insist on video chats showing both face and voice; and be wary of requests involving cryptocurrency investments or package handling—these are likely scams.