Sweetheart Scams

​​Online dating sites and apps can be a great way to meet people and form genuine relationships. However, these platforms are also a well-loved tool for scammers looking to steal more than just your heart.

Sweetheart Scams: What You Need to Know

In a romance scam or sweetheart scam, a fraudster creates a fake profile and connects with victims through dating websites, apps or social media platforms. Once they gain their victim’s trust and affection, the scammer manipulates them into sending money or sharing their personal account information. While anyone can fall victim to a sweetheart scam, fraudsters often prey on older adults seeking love, attention and companionship. 

Red Flags of Romance Scams:

• ​Rapidly escalating romance
• Pressure to keep the relationship secret
• Reluctance to meet or show their face
• Changing and inconsistent stories
• Requests for financial assistance

How to Protect Yourself

Now that you know what to look for, follow these tips to help protect your heart and your hard-earned money:

1. Take Things Slow
   Building new relationships should take time. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to move too fast or overshare personal details. Remember, if someone tries to isolate you from others and keep your relationship a secret, it’s a red flag.
2. Do Your Research
   Be suspicious of new online connections who seem too “perfect.” It’s easy for scammers to hide behind online profiles and use stolen photos and fake personas. Sweetheart scammers will often avoid video chats or in-person meet-ups, making excuses like being in a remote location or serving in the military overseas. A little research into someone’s digital footprint—including a reverse image search of their profile picture—can help you determine if they are who they claim to be.
3. Don’t Fall for “Sob Stories”
   Sweetheart scammers will make up dramatic, emotional reasons for needing money and ask you to pay them via gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or wire transfers. Once the money is sent using these methods, it’s likely gone for good. No matter how convincing their story may seem, never send money to strangers.
   
​The same goes for sharing personal information like your account numbers and passwords. If someone’s asking for this information, they’re up to no good. 

Report Romance Scams

Another reason sweetheart scammers target older adults is because they’re less likely to report fraud out of fear or embarrassment. This only allows scammers to continue preying on others.

If you or someone you know has encountered a romance scam (or any kind of fraud), contact your local police department and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.

For more helpful resources and tips on protecting your hard-earned money and personal information, visit our Fraud Prevention page​.​​