Love at First Scam: How to Spot and Avoid Romance Scams This Valentine’s Day

Written by James Turnbull, Account Executive at Eskenzi PR.

The Rise of Romance Scams 

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, but for cybercriminals, it also presents a lucrative opportunity. Romance scams are on the rise, with fraudsters preying on those looking for companionship, often leaving victims heartbroken and out of pocket. These scams are particularly prevalent online, where scammers use fake identities to build trust before exploiting their victims financially. With the increasing sophistication of these cons, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant.

How Scammers Lure Victims 

Romance scammers are masters of manipulation, employing various psychological tactics to deceive their targets. They often create convincing online personas, complete with stolen profile pictures and fabricated backstories. Many claim to be in professions that require them to be abroad including military personnel, offshore workers, or doctors in conflict zones, making it easier to justify their inability to meet in person.

One of the most common tactics is love bombing. Scammers shower their victims with affection and declarations of love, often within days or weeks of first contact. This emotional intensity is designed to lower defences and create a false sense of intimacy. Once trust is established, the requests for money begin, often disguised as urgent medical expenses, travel costs to visit the victim, or investment opportunities.

Key red flags to watch for include:

• Overly affectionate messages from someone you’ve just met online

• Refusal to meet in person or video chat

• Requests for money, particularly via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards

• Poorly written messages or inconsistencies in their stories

Financial and Emotional Consequences  Romance scams don’t just cost money, they can have devastating emotional effects as well. In 2024, UK citizens lost £105 million to romance scams, and this figure is likely to rise in 2025. However, the financial toll is only part of the damage. Many victims suffer from feelings of shame, embarrassment, and heartbreak, making them reluctant to report the crime.

In some cases, victims continue sending money even after suspecting a scam, as they are emotionally invested and find it difficult to accept the truth. Scammers exploit this emotional dependency, stringing victims along for months or even years. For some, the aftermath includes depression, anxiety, and a loss of trust in genuine relationships.

By understanding the risks and recognising the warning signs, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling into these traps.

How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams 

While romance scams can be highly sophisticated, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself:

1. Verify identities – Conduct a reverse image search on profile pictures to check if they’ve been stolen from someone else.

1. Be sceptical of grand gestures – If someone you’ve just met online is professing their love too quickly, it’s a red flag.

1. Never send money – No matter how convincing the story, legitimate partners won’t ask for financial help from someone they haven’t met in person.

1. Insist on video calls – Scammers will often avoid face-to-face communication, so requesting a video chat can help reveal their deception.

1. Talk to friends and family – If you’re unsure, getting a second opinion from someone you trust can help you see the situation more clearly.

1. Report suspicious activity – If you suspect a scam, report it to Action Fraud (UK) or the relevant fraud prevention agency in your country.

Love Smart, Stay Safe 

Romance scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. In an era where online dating is increasingly common, it’s vital to remain cautious while looking for love. By staying alert to the warning signs and following best practices, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to these heartless scams.