SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
WATCH OUT FOR PRO-DATERS
Local Romance Scammers
The pro-dater differs from the other romance scams in their method of operation; a face-to-face meeting actually does take place in the scammer’s country but is devoted solely into manipulating the mark into spending as much money as possible in relatively little time, with little or nothing in return.
This is most common to Eastern Europe, and specifically the Ukraine.
The scheme usually involves accomplices, such as an interpreter and a taxi driver, all of which must be paid by the victim at an inflated price.
Everything is pre-arranged so that the “wealthy” foreigner pays top dollar for accommodation, is taken not to an ordinary public café but to the most costly restaurant (usually some out-of-the-way place priced far above what locals would ever be willing to pay), and is manipulated into making various expensive purchases, including gifts such as electronics and coats.
The vendors are typically part of the scheme.
The mark (victim) leaves just as alone but poorer at the end of the trip.
The merchandise is returned to the vendors, the pro-dater and the various accomplices pocket their respective profit.
As the pro-dater is eager to date again, the next date is immediately set up with the next wealthy foreigner.
However, the relationship goes no further, except to inundate the helpless victim with requests for more money after they return home. Unlike a gold digger, who marries for money, a pro-dater is not necessarily single or available in real life.
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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 am sorry to say I was scammed. He said he was General in syria. He used the picture of actual retired recently retired General Fredrick Benjamin Hodges who now works in cepa in dc but lives in Florida. Did not reach
My Robin was so sweet so the first request did not seem out of line . About $10,000 later I got it. Think I knew all along but didn’t want to admit
Typical scam. Single father with daughter in boarding school. First wanted me to pay his storage fees to get his box out of storage had gold bars and life savings. I started looking and found him on many sites. Think he has moved on with new name and picture. These people are good. All it did was leave me sad and broke. Not much for some but was to me
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Hey everyone whatch out to the Philippines i waa hit hard dont send money to a Denmark Mungcal it is a scam my first and last time i try dating online do to them and someone claming they are a Nicole Madison i was hit for 1650$ by them or him my phone computer and back with to top it off my SS# so im in a major fraud report vs those names and they are showing pic of Ivy Snow she is a very cut adult entertainer. Yes i was on a dating channel for about a hr frist time trying it and was all exited when this nicole madison started talking ten days later im out of bank accounts three emails i had to delete and my computer my ipad and my phone/with my bank cards attached to my phone i was burned just sent out all the reports and well lesson learned f#%k the internet im going back to the old school was if. Meeting real people .so i know most of you will talk shit. But im a idiot for letting myself get scamed not payi g attention to what was going on cause i was all googled eye over this lady that started hitting on me men think with you upper not the lower head !!!!! so talk the smack i words dont hurt ……..just letting people know the are active and after this post the my call me agin so be ware