🧠 “Online Romance Scams: When Love Turns Into a Cyber Trap”

1️⃣ Introduction

Love can be powerful — but online, it can also be dangerous. Cybercriminals are using dating apps and social media to target emotionally vulnerable people, building fake relationships to steal money, data, or even access to accounts.

2️⃣ How Romance Scams Work

These scams often start innocently — a friend request, a match, or a friendly message. Once contact is made, scammers quickly move to private chats where they:

• Express deep affection or love unusually fast

• Claim to be abroad (e.g., military, medical worker, engineer)

• Ask for “help” with money transfers, travel expenses, or emergencies

3️⃣ Common Red Flags

🚩 Refuses to meet in person or video call
🚩 Makes excuses for why they can’t return home
🚩 Claims to need money for emergencies
🚩 Pushes emotional manipulation (“If you really love me…”)

4️⃣ Financial and Emotional Damage

In 2024 alone, romance scams cost victims over $1.3 billion, according to the FTC — and those numbers continue to rise. Beyond financial loss, victims experience emotional trauma, shame, and identity theft.

5️⃣ How to Stay Safe

✅ Verify before you trust. Use reverse image search and check profiles for inconsistencies.
✅ Never send money or share financial info. Even if they say it’s “temporary.”
✅ Keep conversations on the app. Don’t move to WhatsApp or private email too quickly.
✅ Talk to someone you trust. Get a second opinion before making big decisions.

6️⃣ What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you think you’ve been scammed:

1. Stop all communication immediately

2. Report the profile to the app/platform

3. Contact your bank if money was sent

4. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca)

7️⃣ Conclusion

Online dating can be fun and fulfilling — but it’s essential to stay alert. The line between affection and deception can blur quickly. Stay smart, protect your privacy, and remember: love shouldn’t cost you your security.

🔒 Stay Cyber Safe — CrawlTech.ca