SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Scam Basics: Basic Fakery Deception & Lies
The Typical Relationship Scam Has A Simple Set Of Basic Fakes Or Lies
As you already know, not everyone using online dating sites or social media is looking for love.
Scammers create fake online profiles using photos stolen from other people — even stolen pictures of real military personnel. This is the essential element of a romance scam.
At Their Core, Romance Scams Rely On Impersonation, Fakery, And Lies.
The new stranger (the scammer or fraudster) profess their love quickly. And they tug at your heartstrings with made-up stories about how they need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel.
Why All Of The Tricks?
They’re looking to steal your money and to do it in the most efficient manner possible – after all, this is a business for them – it isn’t personal.
As if all that isn’t bad enough, romance scammers are now involving their victims in online bank fraud, credit card fraud, tax fraud, receiving stolen property and much more.
Here’s how it works – the basics:
- The scammers set up online profiles to meet potential victims.
- After they form a “relationship,” they come up with reasons to ask their new “love” interest to send money, or set up a new bank account, use an existing bank account, or use a credit card account – all work.
- The scammers’ transfer stolen money into the victim’s account and then tells their victims to wire the money out of the country to the scammer.
- Victims think they’re just helping out their soulmate, never realizing they’re aiding and abetting a crime, as well as acting criminally themselves (money laundering, receiving stolen property, and possibly even tax fraud).
Some warning signs that an online friend is probably fake – they ask you to:
- Chat off of the dating site or social media immediately, using personal email, text (Google Hangout, WhatsApp, etc.), or phone
- Wire money using Western Union or Money Gram or via bank wire transfer
- Buy iTunes or other gift cards
- Set up a new bank account
Image Searches
Do you know you can do an image search of your new stranger’s photo in your favorite search engine? «Google», «Bing», «Yandex», «TinEye»
If you do an image search and the person’s photo appears under several different names, you’re dealing with a scammer. And if the person’s online profile disappears a few days after they meet you, that’s another tip-off. However, even if you cannot find their photo in an image search it does not mean they are safe – there are more than a billion fake identities online already and more being added daily.
Here’s The Simple Truth
Don’t send money to someone you met online — for any reason.
If your online sweetheart or ANYONE that you have never physically met in person asks for money, it’s a scam. PERIOD.
Unfortunately, social media and online dating scams are very common. There are millions of romance scam victims, and only a small fraction report it to law enforcement. If this happens to you, please report it – it is important.
If You Are A Victim
If you are a victim, please remember that you are easily scammed. That means be very careful about who you believe about anything online.
Also, remember that most anti-scam groups are run by victims trying to cope with their trauma and mostly spread urban legends and incorrect information. Don’t cling to a fake or amateur group that prevents you from recovering by leading you in the wrong direction. Look for SCARS – which is the only real worldwide registered online crime victims’ assistance and support nonprofit organization.
If you have gone through a romance scam you are probably going to need real help to get through it. We offer real online crime victims assistance and support groups online. These are safe places with other victims who will not judge and understand what you have been through. « Click Here for one of our Victims’ Support Groups on Facebook »
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SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: SCARS, Important Article, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scam Basics, Basic Fakery, Support Group, Scam Victims, Romance Scams
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MORE INFORMATION
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Tell us about your experiences with Romance Scammers in our
« Scams Discussion Forum on Facebook »
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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
- 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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Visit our NEW Main SCARS Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: « www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information »
To learn more about SCARS visit « www.AgainstScams.org »
Please be sure to report all scammers
« HERE » or on « www.Anyscam.com »
Legal Notices:
All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2020 SCARS All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.
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.
Contact the law firm for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org
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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
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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.
Check out Amber Stefan Collins she (It) is impersonating Tiffany Bastow.
AI believe I’m being scammed. The more research I conduct, the obvious it becomes to me that this is crippling to women. I found SCARS quite by accident and am grateful I did. I will learn how to report my scammer as soon as I learn how. Thank you SCARS for being there.
You are very welcome! We are glad you found us.