Romance Scam
Romance scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using deeply manipulative tactics to exploit people searching for genuine connection.
At Traceyourassets, our Romance Scam Investigation services are designed to uncover the truth and provide you with a clear path toward reclaiming what is rightfully yours. We’ll work closely with you to expose the scam analysing messages, transactions, and all available evidence to build a comprehensive picture of what happened. Our expert investigators will identify the individuals or entities behind the fraud, gathering the crucial evidence needed to pursue recovery on your behalf.
What Are Romance Scams?
Romance scams come in many forms, but all share a common thread — a fraudster fabricates romantic feelings toward their victim with the sole aim of manipulating them into sending money or gifts. These scams most commonly originate on dating platforms such as Tinder and other dating sites.
The consequences can be devastating. Beyond the financial loss, victims are often left heartbroken and deeply vulnerable, sometimes struggling to trust others for a long time afterwards. Romance scams are among the cruellest forms of fraud, leaving lasting emotional scars long after the money is gone.
Common Types of Romance Scams
The Classic Romance Scam
A scammer matches with or contacts their target on a dating app, quickly creating the impression of a deep, genuine connection. They may shower the victim with affectionate messages and future plans, making them feel they’ve found the perfect partner. Before long, requests for money or gifts follow — carefully timed to exploit the emotional bond that has been cultivated. Once the victim begins to question the relationship or the funds stop flowing, the scammer either becomes aggressive or simply disappears.
The Pig Butchering Scam
Originating in China in 2020, this scam combines a romance scam with an investment fraud. After establishing a convincing romantic connection, the scammer persuades the victim to invest in a fake or fraudulent business. Statistics show that the majority of victims are well-educated women in their 20s and 30s, with the average loss reaching a staggering $98,000.
The Military Romance Scam
The scammer constructs a convincing military persona and targets individuals who have shown support for or a connection to the armed forces — often identified through dating profiles or relevant social media groups. The relationship escalates quickly, and when the victim eventually asks to meet, the scammer claims to be posted overseas. Requests for money or gift cards soon follow.
Identity Theft
Rather than directly requesting money, this scam focuses on harvesting personal data. The victim receives a message from someone they’ve matched with, containing a link to view photos. Clicking the link gives the scammer access to the victim’s device, enabling them to collect sensitive information such as date of birth, address, credit card details, and banking credentials — which are then used for identity theft or financial fraud.
Money Muling
In this variation, the scammer uses the emotional connection they’ve built to persuade the victim to receive and transfer money or valuable items on their behalf — effectively laundering illicit funds. Victims can unknowingly become entangled in serious criminal networks, with consequences that are both difficult and dangerous to escape.
Key Points to Remember
- Romance scams are extremely prevalent, with an estimated $300 million lost to them every year.
- The average victim loses approximately $2,500 — though losses can be far higher in cases like Pig Butchering.
- In 2020, romance scams ranked as the second-highest category of internet crime by financial loss.
- Statistically, women are more likely than men to fall victim to romance scams.
- New variations emerge regularly — staying vigilant is essential.
- TraceYourAssets can help victims of most types of romance scams pursue recovery.
- Never share personal information too quickly, never send money or gifts to someone you’ve only met online, and always trust your instincts — if something feels off, stop communication and report the individual to the platform.
Fallen Victim to a Romance Scam? Here's What to Do Next.
Victims of romance scams are often left heartbroken, vulnerable, and facing significant financial loss. Feelings of embarrassment or shame can make seeking help feel even harder, but you have nothing to be ashamed of, and you are not alone.
At Traceyourassets, we understand the full weight of what you’ve been through. Our expert team will work closely with you to uncover the truth, gathering evidence and building a comprehensive case on your behalf. You’ll be assigned a dedicated caseworker who will keep you informed at every stage of the investigation. At the end of the process, you’ll receive a comprehensive Investigation Report and personalised Action Plan, the tools you need to pursue recovery and reclaim what is rightfully yours.
How to Avoid Romance Scams
- Be mindful of what you share publicly on social media — scammers actively use this information to better target and manipulate their victims.
- Be wary of anyone on a dating platform who quickly tries to move communication off the app.
- Take your time — never feel pressured to share information or meet before you’re ready.
- Reverse search any profile image and name to check whether they’ve been used elsewhere online.
- Never send money, gifts, or compromising content to anyone you’ve only met online.
- Treat it as a red flag if someone repeatedly expresses a desire to meet but always cancels or makes excuses.
- Report any suspicious profiles to the dating platform directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are romance scams common?
Yes — and increasingly so. Romance scams consistently rank among the highest categories of internet fraud by financial loss, according to the FTC.
Where do romance scammers find their victims?
Dating apps and websites are the most common hunting grounds, but scammers also create fake profiles on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook — sending friend requests or unsolicited messages, sometimes claiming a mutual connection, to initiate contact.
What is a romance inheritance scam?
A scammer convinces their victim that they should marry quickly in order to access a large inheritance. Once the victim agrees, the scammer requests a significant sum to cover supposed travel and relocation costs — and then disappears with the money.
Can a profile reveal a romance scammer?
Not with certainty, but there are warning signs. Be cautious of incomplete profiles, minimal photos, or images that appear blurry or generic. A sparse or inconsistent profile is always worth scrutinising before engaging further.
What questions can help spot a romance scammer?
Ask specific questions about where they grew up, which school or university they attended, or their favourite local restaurant. Scammers typically give vague or inconsistent answers when pressed for details. Requesting a video call as early as possible is one of the most effective ways to verify someone’s identity.
What is the fastest-growing romance scam?
The Pig Butchering scam, which first emerged in 2020, is growing rapidly. It combines romantic manipulation with fraudulent investment schemes — often involving digital currency — and has resulted in some of the highest individual losses of any romance scam type.
I lost money to a romance scam. What can I do?
You’re not out of options. TraceYourAssets can investigate your case and provide you with a comprehensive Investigation Report and personalised Action Plan — giving you the evidence and guidance needed to pursue recovery and reclaim what was taken from you.