There are numerous stumbling blocks lurking on the internet, including scammers who use “romantic scams” or “love scams” to pretend a close, romantic relationship to manipulate their victims. Armin Kaltenegger, head of property protection at KFV (Board of Trustees for Traffic Safety), used a study to shed light on this form of online fraud.
Online dating sites and social media would provide cybercriminals with an ideal platform for their activities. Through clever deception, they manage to build a close bond with their victims in a very short time. Women are mainly courted by people who appear to be military personnel, doctors or single salesmen, while men are often approached by young women who appear to be in need.
In all cases these are false identities. “What initially looks like love and romance quickly develops into a dangerous situation where the scammers use skillful methods to apply pressure and harass their victims,” says Kaltenegger.
It’s all happening very fast
In the first phase, the victim is presented with an apparently perfect person who makes contact and who dedicates himself very intensively to the other person. After that, the relationship begins – but only online. In addition to texting, you can also make (video) calls. The perpetrator also announces a personal visit. It is striking that everything goes very fast and is driven by the perpetrator (love bombing).
In the third phase, there is an alleged catastrophe, therefore the perpetrator needs urgent money (an alleged accident, the army does not approve the holiday, you are already in the area, but you are stuck at customs…), usually short for supposed first meeting. Typical and striking is that only the victim is the only salvation.
Then follows a continuous loop in which young happiness seems to be constantly threatened – by illness, debt or arrests. More financial “support” is needed. There may also be blackmail – if intimate photos have been shared beforehand – or threats to end the relationship if financial support is no longer forthcoming.
When there is no more money, scammers disappear
The last phase occurs when the victim of the fraud is no longer able or willing to pay, after which the scammers disappear without a trace. Profiles are deleted, mobile numbers suddenly go nowhere.
The results of the KFV survey show a remarkable shift to digital dating. Young men under 30 are especially at risk of falling into a “love scam”. They are increasingly using dating apps and often accepting contact requests from strangers. This trend opens a gateway for scammers and poses a potential threat to users.
Love scams are already known to 88 percent of those surveyed, but a fifth have little or no concern about becoming a victim themselves. One in five has already been approached by scammers, while five percent have actually transferred money. The average financial loss is 400 euros. Very few would have complained afterwards.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
