SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCAM WARNING: Being Lured Into Scam Investments
Any place where you can interact with strangers, there are going to be scammers.
Unfortunately, people develop trust with total strangers and are then lured into scams!
Trusting Strangers Is Natural But So Dangerous!
A Perfect Example: Investment Fraud via Dating Apps
Experienced fraudsters are taking advantage of a surge in dating app users.
LYON, France – INTERPOL has issued a Purple Notice to its 194 member countries outlining a specific modus operandi on dating applications.
The threat involves taking advantage of people’s vulnerabilities as they look for potential matches, and luring them into a sophisticated fraud scheme.
In the initial stages, an artificial romance is established via a dating app. Once communication becomes regular and a certain level of trust is established, criminals share investment tips with their victims and encourage them to join a scheme.
Victims then download a recommended trading app or visit a website and open an account, they then buy (invest in) various financial products and work their way up a so-called “investment chain”, all under the watchful eye of their new “friend”. They are made to believe they can reach Gold or VIP status – meaning make lots of money!
YES, SCAMMERS ARE CREATING THEIR OWN APPS AND FAKE WEBSITES! THIS IS A THING!
As is often the case with such fraud schemes, everything is made to look legitimate.
Screenshots are provided, domain names are eerily similar to real websites, and customer service agents pretend to help victims choose the right products.
One day, however, all contact stops, and victims are locked out of the account. They’re left confused, hurt, and worried that they’ll never see their money again. Unfortunately, this is probably the case!
INTERPOL’s Financial Crimes unit has received reports from around the world of this scam and is encouraging dating app users to be vigilant, be skeptical and be safe when entering into online relationships.
This has become especially important as people turn to online interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some tips to make sure online dating remains fun and doesn’t empty your bank account:
- Always be vigilant when you are approached by someone you don’t know, especially if it leads to a request for money;
- Be skeptical: online investments with promises of fast, amazing returns are often too good to be true;
- Think twice before transferring money, however genuine the request might seem;
- Do your research: check reviews, double-check the app, the domain name, the email address, etc;
- Don’t disclose personal/confidential information;
- If you realize you’ve been the victim of a fraud, report it.
Never Ever Take Investment Advice From An Unknown Stranger!
It should be obvious, but in today’s world scammers are everywhere and they can easily create fake websites and social media pages. They have billions of dollars to work with.
Trusting strangers is wired into us humans, but we have to learn to overcome it. Learn more about Stranger Trust here.
Even if the investment seems real, never use apps or software recommended by strangers. If you are looking to invest then learn the subject from legitimate news sources and use only real companies to handle these transactions.
Here are the basic recommendations:
- Talk with a financial professional first – make sure that they are licensed and certified in what they do.
- Establish a real budget for investing and make sure you can lose it all without catastrophic consequences to you.
- Never invest impulsively – always “sleep on it” and do your research. Good companies can still be bad investments.
- Talk with your family and real friends – see what they say – they may see things you do not.
- Never talk to strangers online about money – EVER!
Be safe, and please stop talking with strangers online!
TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, Online Fraud, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Scam Avoidance, Dating Websites, Talking With Strangers, Accepting Investment Advice, Investments, Financial Advice, Financial Scams, Investment Scams
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By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
To Learn More, Volunteer, or Donate Visit: www.AgainstScams.org
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
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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.
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