Romance Scamming – The Fraud with Fake Love

Marriage scamming is not an unknown phenomenon, with the penal code even threatening offenders with up to 10 years imprisonment. Nowadays, similar perfidious scams involving fake love are taking place online. “Love scammers” or “romance scammers” can be found on social networks or online dating sites, which they use to track down potential victims.

Especially due to increased contact restrictions, criminals exploit feelings of loneliness and shower victims with expressions of love and attention. This scam aims to leave the victim out of pocket. After a relationship of trust has been established and the first phase of infatuation has passed, the true intentions then come to light. The scammers usually demand money under a pretext, e.g. for a relative’s operation or some other unfortunate event. The victim, having become emotionally dependent, helps and transfers the money. The State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg alone recorded 131 such cases in 2017 alone. The damage can amount to hundreds of thousands and usually leaves the victim broke or with large debts.

A particularly common scenario is that of a supposed American soldier on deployment abroad. Because of this reason, they are having problems accessing their private finances. After establishing a relationship of trust, they ask for support in the form of a money transfer, with the promise to pay back the victim. What is particularly shocking is the sophistication of this scam. In most cases, telephone calls even take place via mobile phone or video conferencing tools, whereby an even more personal bond is established. Some criminal organisations have set up entire film-like scenes to make things seem even more realistic. Actual example scenarios can be viewed here https://www.romancescambaiter.de/.

1. The person’s online does not match their statements or messages.

2. You are asked to send intimate pictures or videos of yourself, which can later be used for blackmail.

3. An online acquaintance conveys unusually strong feelings or declares their love to you after a very short time.

• Only disclose as much data on social networks as necessary.
• Don't be dazzled by reputable dating sites.
• Check people's photos and profile to see if the material has been used elsewhere.  
• Look out for inconsistencies such as "my camera doesn't work" or an unusual number of spelling and grammatical errors.
• Do not share intimate video or photo material that can then be used for blackmail.
• Beware of requests for money. Never send money, credit card details or copies of ID cards.
• Do not transfer money for others – money laundering is a criminal offence.

If you have become a victim of such a scam, do not be ashamed! You are not alone in this. Immediately stop all contact with the person in question and report them to the police. Try to collect all messages and contact points and present this evidence to the police. Report the profile to the operator of the online site and if you have exchanged account data, report this to your bank.