Romance Scam Investigations by the Anti-Fraud Centre

Scam Types We Deal With

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  Catfishing

  In this type of romance scam, the perpetrator creates a fake online identity to lure victims into romantic relationships. The scammer typically uses photos and information stolen from other people to establish a false persona and gain the trust of their victims.

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  Sweetheart Scams

  Also known as "sweetheart swindles," these scams involve perpetrators who pretend to be in romantic relationships with their victims, often professing their love and devotion. Once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer may request money for various reasons, such as medical emergencies or travel expenses.

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  Military Romance Scams

  Scammers posing as military personnel exploit the trust and admiration associated with the armed forces to deceive victims into sending money or providing personal information. They may claim to be deployed overseas and in need of financial assistance or use fake stories of military service to manipulate victims emotionally.

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  Long-Distance Relationship Scams

  Perpetrators of long-distance relationship scams establish romantic connections with victims who live far away. They may use online dating platforms or social media to initiate contact and then request money under the guise of visiting or relocating to be with the victim.

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  Inheritance Scams

  Inheritance scams involve scammers who claim to have received a large inheritance but need financial assistance to access the funds. They may promise to share the inheritance with the victim in exchange for upfront payments or personal information.

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  Online Dating Scams

  Scammers exploit the popularity of online dating platforms to target individuals seeking romantic relationships. They often create fake profiles and initiate contact with potential victims, gradually building trust before requesting money or personal information.

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  Emergency Scams

  Also known as "crisis scams," these schemes involve scammers who fabricate emergencies or crises to solicit money from their victims. They may claim to be in urgent need of funds for medical expenses, legal fees, or other unexpected situations to manipulate victims into sending money quickly.

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  Blackmail Scams

  In blackmail romance scams, perpetrators engage in intimate or explicit conversations with their victims and then threaten to expose compromising information unless the victim pays a ransom. These scams can be particularly distressing and emotionally damaging for victims.