SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Insight: Romance Scams Led All Consumer Fraud In 2018
Overall Romance Scams Are Still Below The Record Year Of 2016, But Reporting Is Up Making It Look Higher
According to CNN:
Scams that prey on people’s loneliness and emotional vulnerability cost Americans more money than any other fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2018.
More than 21,000 people were tricked into sending money to their supposed sweetheart last year — to the tune of $143 million, the FTC said in a report this week. The number has been steadily climbing the last couple of years.
For instance, the 2018 losses are almost quadruple that of 2015 figures.
The victims who were swindled most often? Those between the ages of 40 and 69.
Of Course, We Know That Is Wrong
Scams prey on all age groups, with Millennials now being the fastest-growing demographic according to SCARS|ANALYTICS. Teenage victims are also exploding thanks to Sextortion variations of Romance Scams.
How these scams work
Romance scammers often create attractive, fake profiles on social media and dating platforms to cultivate online relationships and persuade targets to send money in the name of love. They’ll often claim they need money for some sort of emergency or to cover travel expenses.
Kathy Stokes is the director of fraud prevention programs for AARP, a nonprofit that empowers people 50 and older.
She told CNN that the phony profiles typically depict “extraordinarily good looking” people or military officers. Over the course of weeks or months, the scammers build up to asking for money.
Most of the victims said they wired money to scammers, although some also sent gift cards.
On average, targets of romance scams reported a median loss of $2,600, which is higher than any other type of consumer fraud. The median jumped to $10,000 for people over age 70, the FTC said.
One of the most egregious cases Stokes heard of was a woman who met a man online and ended up wiring him $50,000 on eight separate occasions. They never met in person, but he told her he needed funding to ensure a business deal succeeded.
How to avoid falling prey:
As online dating becomes more popular, the FTC warns people to become suspicious of any online relationship if:
- the person wants to leave the dating site immediately and use personal email or messaging
- the person is fast to claim love
- they say they’re traveling or working internationally
- he or she says they want to visit but don’t have the money because, for example, a business deal went sour
- they ask for money without meeting face-to-face
So, says the FTC, take things slowly and ask a lot of questions. Are their answers inconsistent? That’s a red flag.
One can also try a reverse-image search.
“If they’re associated with another name or with details that don’t match up,” the FTC says, “it’s a scam.”
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- U.S. State Police (if you live in the U.S.) – they will take the matter more seriously and provide you with more help than local police
- Your National Police or FBI « www.IC3.gov »
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network « HERE » or on « www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
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« HERE » or on « www.Anyscam.com »
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SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
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Table of Contents
- Overall Romance Scams Are Still Below The Record Year Of 2016, But Reporting Is Up Making It Look Higher
- Of Course, We Know That Is Wrong
- The Latest SCARS|RSN Posts
- U.S. Veterans Benefits Scams – 2026
- New AI Voice Cloning Phone Scams – 2026
- An Essay on Justice and Money Recovery – 2026
- Virtual Kidnapping & Extortion – Proof of Life Images or Videos – 2026
- Fake Money Recovery Law Firms – 2026
- Money Laundering Drop Accounts – 2026
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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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.
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