SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
We Have Long Known About Romance Scams Where The Scammer Reveals Him/Herself
But that is usually to pull off an End-Game Scam
Romance Scam End-Game Scams are designed to extract the last little bit of money a victim has.
Scammers typically reveal themselves once they have almost everything a victim has, just in case they can get something more. They admit they really love the victim and ask for forgiveness. This is also a ploy to convert the victim into a money mule.
But they also have another tactic up their sleeve called a Confession Scam or Rescue Me Scam!
Rescue Me From Crime Romance Scam
However, there is another variation on these romance scams (relationship scams) called a Rescue Me Scam or Confession Scam.
Romance scams are unfortunately all too common in Nigeria and West Africa, where fraudsters use online dating sites and social media platforms to lure unsuspecting victims into sending them money.
A New Tactic In Romance Scams
One of the tactics these scammers use to manipulate their victims is to try a different approach by admitting that they are scammers (criminals) but pleading for help to save them from a life of crime.
This tactic is often called a “Confession Scam” or “Rescue Me Scam”
It involves the scammer confessing to their victim that they are a fraudster, but that they want to change their evil ways and live an honest life.
They will often claim that they have been forced into the scamming business because of financial hardship or that they are victims of circumstance. They may even go so far as to say that they have fallen in love with their victim and that the victim is their only hope for redemption.
Once they have gained their victim’s trust, the scammer will ask for money to help them start a new life or to pay off debts to their “bosses” in the scamming business. They may also ask for the victim’s personal information or access to their bank accounts, claiming that they need it to escape their criminal life (turning the victim into a money mule.)
Unfortunately, this is all a ruse, still more lies, and the scammer has no intention of changing their ways or starting a new life. They will simply disappear once they have gotten what they want from their victim.
How This Kind Of Romance Scam Works
The confession or rescue me scam is a tactic used by romance scammers typically in Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, and other West African countries to gain their victim’s trust and sympathy.
It involves the scammer admitting to their victim that they are a fraudster fairly early in the scam cycle but pleading for help to turn their life around.
In a typical romance scam, the scammer will usually initiate contact with their victim through an online dating site or social media platform, posing as a potential romantic partner, usually using a stolen identity and stolen photos (though not always.) They will spend time building a trusting relationship with their victim, often using flattering language, romantic gestures, and fake photos or identities to create a false sense of intimacy and trust. This is all part of the grooming and manipulation.
Once they have gained their victim’s trust, the romance scammer will expose themselves and start to talk about their financial difficulties and how they got into scamming. They will claim that they are desperate to leave the scamming business but cannot do it without help.
The scammer will, at some point, come out and will then make a confession, admitting that they are a scammer and have been deceiving their victim. They will often claim that they have been forced into the scamming business because of financial hardship or that they are victims of circumstance. They may even go so far as to say that they have fallen in love with their victim and that the victim is their only hope for redemption.
The scammer will then ask their victim for money to help them start a new life or to pay off debts to their “bosses” in the scamming business. They usually do not ask for large amounts of money, especially at first – though it often can build up.
They may also ask for the victim’s personal information or access to their bank accounts, claiming they need it to escape their criminal life. They just need to move some money from point A to point B. But this turns the victim into a money mule and makes them a part of their money laundering operation.
If the victim falls for the scam, they will get all the money they can or use access to the victim’s personal information or bank accounts. After the scam has run its course, the scammer will disappear, leaving the victim heartbroken and out of pocket.
Summary
It is important to remember that scammers are professional criminals (con artists) who know how to manipulate their victims’ emotions and vulnerabilities to control them.
If you suspect you are being targeted by a romance scammer, it is important to cut off all contact and report the incident to the relevant authorities. See our 3 Steps for New Scam Victims for more!
Remember, the confession scam is just another tactic used by romance scammers to exploit their victims. It is important to be aware of this tactic and to take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
I’m grateful I blocked them before it got to this point. Of course, I now realize they could circle back and try again. I had no idea there are so many stages to these scams.
This is very important information for everyone.
I am glad I cut off the criminal before they got to this point. I’m sure it possibly could still pop up, now I know what to be ready for SHOULD it happen.