Romance scams are fraud and one of the most common types of confidence scams. They are typically carried out over the Internet by someone who has developed an online relationship with the victim. Romance scams are a form of confidence fraud, manipulating people into giving away their money or personal property. The scammer will typically create a fake profile on social media and then use it to contact people looking for romance. They will then build a relationship with the victim, often over months or years, before eventually asking for money. The scammer will then ask for money or personal information, claiming they need help getting out of a difficult situation.
The FBI estimates that about $230 million is lost to romance scams yearly in the US alone. And this number will only grow as more people turn to online dating sites and apps. Online dating statistics show that there has been an increase in the number of people using online dating sites. In 2018, Ezchargeback estimated that there were around 1 billion active users on these sites. In 2022, romance scams will be more prevalent than ever before. The number of people using dating apps is increasing exponentially, making it easier for scammers to find their victims.
How do Romance Scams work in 2022?
Romance scams are a type of confidence scam or online dating scam that involves people who pretend to be interested in a potential partner; typically someone they have never met in person, to get money or other things of value. Ezchargeback state that scammers typically pretend to share the victim’s interests and then gradually request money from the victim. The scammer may also claim they need help to transfer money from their country to the victims. The scammer may use social media, email, text messages, or chat apps to get the victim’s personal information and then use that information to extort money from them.
In 2022, romance scams will continue to be a major problem for people using social media. It is estimated that about $2 billion will be lost due to these scams in 2022. The number of romance scams is on the rise. In 2022, there will be more than 1 million victims of romance scams. Romance scammers are using fake profiles and pictures to lure victims into a false sense of security. They will often use social media to contact their victims and then start a relationship with them. They will often ask for money from their victim, which is usually the first sign that something is wrong.
How to Safeguard Oneself from Romance Scammers in 2022?
Do’s
- Be aware of red flags.
- Take a look at how you’re doing on the Internet.
- Take things gently when it comes to relationships.
- Make a video calls call as soon as possible.
- Go sleuthing on your own.
- Automate their requests for assistance.
- Get independent advice from somebody who you believe.
- Discontinue communication and file a police report.
Don’ts:
- Sending intimate photos; divulging far too much confidential info; paying anyone you have not yet seen.
- • Trust whatever they say • Purchase airline tickets or reward points • Act protected since you made the original connection
- keep Moving conversation away from dating sites as soon as possible.
- • Receive cash from someone you’ve never met.
Targets of online dating scams frequently suffer financially and, in certain circumstances, are drawn into criminal conduct. Aside from the monetary expenditures, there may be psychological consequences as well. After somebody you loved defrauded you, you may be sad, depressed, or ashamed.
Romance Scams Statistics in 2022
Romance scams are one of the most common types of online fraud. The FBI estimates that there are over 200,000 victims of romance scams each year. In 2022, the number of victims is expected to be over 300,000. In 2022, romance scams are expected to cost $1 billion globally. The statistics show that the number of romance scams has increased by more than 500% in the last five years. In 2022, it is estimated that there will be more than $1 billion lost to these scams. The FBI estimates that romance scammers stole $230 million from victims in 2017, up from $150 million in 2016. The number of romance scam victims is expected to increase by 2022. Ezchargeback state that these scams are on the rise.
- Loneliness, particularly during COVID-19 isolation periods, and the advancement of new technology have aided the spread of romance frauds in recent years.
- In 2019, over 50% of all romantic fraud allegations against the FTC had included social networking sites, most commonly Facebook or Twitter. Throughout the first six months of 2020, investigations suggest spending about $117 000,000 on social networking site scams, which set a new high. (September 2020, FTC)
- Over 36,000 individuals noted that social media was used to aid computer crimes.
- Throughout 2015, the number of people reporting romantic scams to the FTC has nearly increased.
