Today’s day of virtual love turns the spotlight on digital closeness between people. Unfortunately, it is just this emotional connection which is also frequently abused by scammers.
“Romance scams” on the Internet are a perfidious fraud where criminals use social networks, dating platforms or messenger services to systematically win their victims’ trust to then cheat them out of their money.
This is how this scam works
Attackers pretend to be likeable, trustworthy people online – frequently from an elusive professional or family background, such as a soldier, doctor or an engineer working abroad. They take weeks or even months to establish a seemingly genuine relationship with their victims. At some stage in the future, the first request for money follows: sometimes for a flight ticket, medical emergencies or other purported hardships.
Many people affected only notice too late that they have fallen victim to fraud. The emotional and financial damage can take on enormous proportions.
This is how to protect yourself:
- Be wary if any online acquaintances start to voice strong emotions quickly.
- Don’t pass on any sensitive data or banking details.
- Don’t remit any money just because someone becomes emotional online.
- Speak to someone you trust if you think something looks off.
- If you have already fallen victim to this scam: Immediately cease all contact, gather evidence (for instance chat histories) and contact the police.
Detailed information and tips on prevention (in German) can be found on the Schweizerische Kriminalprävention website.
