Romance Scams: A Growing Concern in the Digital Age

Context

With the rapid rise of digital communication, online relationships have become more common. However, alongside genuine connections, romance scams have also increased, posing significant risks to individuals' finances, emotions, and personal security.

• What are Romance Scams?
  These scams involve fraudsters creating fake online identities to manipulate victims emotionally and financially.
• Why is February Significant?
  February, often called the "month of love," sees a surge in online romantic interactions, making it an opportune time for scammers to exploit people’s emotions.
• How Big is the Problem?
  According to a 2024 Moody’s report, India ranked third globally in new romance scam profiles, contributing 12% of the total cases.
  • The US led with 38%, followed by Nigeria at 14%.
  • A 14% increase in scam-related entities was recorded, with 1,193 new fraudulent profiles detected in 2024.

How Romance Scams Work

Modus Operandi of Scammers

Romance scams typically occur through dating apps, social media platforms, and messaging services. Fraudsters use sophisticated techniques to deceive victims:

• Fake Online Identities

  • Scammers pose as attractive, wealthy, or influential individuals (e.g., foreign professionals, military officers).
  • Stolen photos, fabricated personal details, and fake social media accounts are used to appear credible.

• Emotional Manipulation

  • Fraudsters build trust over weeks or months using "love bombing"—excessive affection to make victims feel special.
  • Victims are often made to feel guilty or pressured into providing money or personal information.

• Financial Exploitation

  • Once trust is gained, scammers demand money, gifts, or bank details.
  • Some victims are tricked into fraudulent investment schemes or cryptocurrency scams.

• Sextortion & Blackmail

  • Teenage boys are often targeted through fake profiles, leading to blackmail using explicit content.
  • Victims are threatened with exposure if they refuse to pay.

• Criminal Networks

  • Some scams are linked to organized crime, leading to threats beyond financial loss.

Why Romance Scams Are Increasing

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in online scams due to:

• Social isolation, making individuals more vulnerable to emotional manipulation.
• Increased digital interactions, providing scammers with a larger pool of victims.
• The use of "love bombing" tactics to quickly gain trust.

Financial and Reputational Risks

According to Moody’s, the money from romance scams is often laundered through banks, exposing financial institutions to:

• Reputational damage
• Legal consequences for facilitating fraudulent transactions

Preventive Measures: How to Stay Safe

Authorities recommend taking these precautions to avoid becoming a victim:

• Do Not Send Money to people you have never met in person.
• Verify Identities before sharing personal details or making financial transactions.
• Avoid Sharing Intimate Content online, as it can be used for blackmail.
• Be Cautious of Strangers who quickly profess love or request urgent financial help.
• Report Suspicious Activity to cybercrime portals.

Tech Companies’ Response to Romance Scams

Meta’s Initiatives (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)

• Automated detection of fake accounts.
• Messenger safety alerts for suspicious interactions.
• Teen protection features to warn young users about scams.
• Call-blocking on WhatsApp to silence unknown numbers.

Match Group’s AI-Based Scam Prevention (Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid)

• In-app scam warnings to educate users.
• AI-based detection of suspicious language and behavior.
• Collaboration with law enforcement to track and prevent fraud.

Google’s Anti-Fraud Measures

• Blocked 13.9 million fraudulent app installations (as of January 2025).
• Protected 3.2 million devices from scam-related software.
• Partnered with I4C under DigiKavach to enhance cybercrime investigations.

Other Emerging Online Fraud Trends

• Fake Donation & Travel Booking Scams
  • Fraudsters exploit festivals like Diwali to set up fake charities and offer fake travel deals.
• AI-Generated Celebrity Investment Scams
  • Deepfake videos, fake news, and social media posts promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
• Remote Access & Tech Support Fraud
  • Scammers impersonate bank officials or tech support to steal sensitive data.
• Job Scams
  • Fake high-paying remote jobs require upfront payments for processing fees.
• Predatory Loan App Scams
  • Quick loans with hidden high-interest rates trap victims in debt cycles.

Conclusion

With the increasing prevalence of romance scams and digital fraud, it is crucial to stay vigilant, skeptical, and informed. Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, leveraging AI and social engineering to deceive victims. Public awareness, strong cybersecurity measures, and tech industry collaboration remain key in combating these scams and protecting individuals from financial and emotional harm.