In today’s fast-paced digital era, the internet has redefined how people connect, work, and even fall in love. With just a click, you can find a partner on dating apps or social media platforms. But behind this convenience hides a growing danger—romance scams. Criminals are increasingly using dating apps as a hunting ground to emotionally manipulate victims and swindle them out of huge sums of money.
Romance fraud is a calculated form of cybercrime where scammers create fake identities to lure victims into emotional relationships. Their ultimate goal is financial exploitation. The process usually unfolds in stages:
Creating Fake Profiles – Fraudsters design attractive accounts on popular dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge, and even on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or online gaming communities. These profiles often include polished photos, fabricated career details, and heartwarming family stories to gain trust.
Building Emotional Bonds – Once contact is established, the scammer quickly escalates the relationship. They shower attention, express love, and discuss future plans to emotionally hook the victim. During this stage, they carefully study the person’s vulnerabilities.
Shifting Communication – After building trust, scammers often persuade victims to move conversations to private platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram. In many cases, they also try to isolate the person from friends and family, cutting them off from external advice.
Creating a Crisis – This is the turning point. The fraudster fabricates an emergency—such as a medical issue, job loss, business setback, or even travel expenses to meet the victim. Sometimes, the story involves being an NRI or living abroad, making the excuse more believable.
Asking for Money – Initially, small amounts are requested, which are sometimes “repaid” to win further trust. Once the victim feels secure, the demands grow larger and more frequent. Eventually, when savings run dry or suspicion arises, the scammer disappears—changing numbers and vanishing without a trace.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that awareness and caution are the strongest defenses against romance scams. Here are some key red flags and preventive measures:
Beware of Fast Love: If someone declares deep feelings too quickly, treat it as a warning sign.
Insist on Video Calls: Genuine individuals won’t avoid live video conversations. Scammers often dodge this step.
Never Send Money: No matter the excuse, never transfer funds to someone you’ve only met online.
Check Their Identity: Use Google reverse image search to verify profile pictures. Many scammers use stock images or stolen photos.
Stay Connected with Family/Friends: Always share your online dating experiences with someone you trust. An outside perspective can spot suspicious behavior faster.
Protect Personal Information: Never disclose bank details, ID proofs, or passwords to online contacts.
If you fall prey to such scams, quick action can minimize losses:
Immediately inform your bank and attempt to block the transaction.
Preserve evidence, including phone numbers, emails, chat history, and payment receipts.
File a complaint at your nearest police station or approach the cybercrime cell.
Victims can also lodge complaints online via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
Romance scams are more than just financial fraud—they shatter trust, leave emotional scars, and compromise personal security. With cybercriminals getting smarter, the only effective shield is vigilance. While technology continues to bridge gaps in human connection, it also demands that users stay alert, think critically, and recognize that true love doesn’t come with constant financial requests.
