Romance
There’s a saying ‘love is blind’ and that’s likely how the scammer sees their approach to romance scams. A desire to make us all blind to what’s really happening.
A kind gesture, a pleasant message, a desire to connect are all tell tale signs that love is definitely in the air. Only this time, it will come with a nasty sting.
That nasty sting could be a loss of dignity, embarrassment, a loss of money or a total loss of savings. The romance isn’t real, it’s a method through which the scammer manipulates their victim to drop their guard, trust them and do as they ask.
It can feel awkward at the start. An unusual request, an unfamiliar suggestion or the introduction of an idea. But any such concerns, doubt and hesitation are quickly moved to one side by a scammer so intent on their outcome they will say, offer, promise anything to make their wishes come true.
Romance scams are simply manipulation of the cruellest kind. They prey on those who are lonely, unlucky in love, or looking for companionship to become victims of scammers who care nothing for them. Photos, promises of meeting, voice messages and the odd video chat are all part of the plan to take their victim far away from any reality.
Scammers often apply pressure, urgency, or sympathy tactics, like faking emergencies or offering emotional support. All this just to drive quick compliance from their victim.
All this takes place between two people who have never met. And whilst the scammer will never pause, the victim always has the opportunity. Pausing gives you the time, at the very start, the chance to think about what is really happening.
Thinking allows you to ask questions. Why me? Why now? Who really is this person? Thinking leads to better understanding. And when you understand, you then have more chance of making the decisions that feel best for you – not the scammer often hidden behind a fake loving, helpful persona.
There’s nothing embarrassing about wanting to feel loved. But it can be embarrassing to lose everything. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s really happening.
The next time you are contacted by a stranger, without warning, without ever asking; listen to the voice inside your head. Is it saying something doesn’t feel right?
To help, always remember to Pause – Think – Decide every single time. You’re in control. So, always do all you can to stop the criminal from making you just another victim.
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After a scam, what next?
What we think you could consider … if you’re the victim of a scam or fraud.
