Romance fraud doesn’t begin with a large amount of money being asked for. It all starts with a thought. A text message saying good morning. A “you’re not like them.” Something about this story sounds both sad and brave. Soon, your mind is doing math that your heart didn’t agree to.

The truth is that romance fraud happens all the time. In the most recent FBI IC3 annual report (2024 data), there were 17,910 complaints about “Confidence/Romance,” and $672,009,052 in losses were recorded. The FTC also said that marriage scams cost people $1.14 billion in 2023, with an average loss of $2,000 per person. 

That’s right, Romance Fraud makes a lot of money. But it generally starts with small signs that seem harmless.

What’s Really Happening This Week In Romance Fraud

A lot of the Romance Fraud that happens today isn’t just one person typing away in their basement. Lots of scams are planned out, follow a script, and work like a job. Because of this, the same trends keep showing up in different apps that lie about dating or falling in love.

There are also new words. Because some old terms make victims feel bad and make them not want to report, INTERPOL pushed for the term “romance baiting” to be used for these relationship-based scams. That’s important because shame is a great tool for scammers.

Do not forget those numbers: It was reported to IC3 that people lost $672,009,052 to confidence/romance scams in 2024, and $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023. Romance Fraud works because it starts with trust and then moves on to money.

Early Sign 1: Fast Feelings, Slow Facts

This is where love bombing happens. There is a lot of attention. The messages never stop. “I’ve never felt this way” is something they talk about. It can be nice at times. It feels like a warm blanket sometimes. The point of love bombing is speed, though. They can rush your choices if they can rush your feelings.

The “slow facts” part is what people miss. In real relationships, there are things that you can check. Friends, a regular schedule, and a clear past. The story in Romance Fraud sounds big, but there isn’t much proof to back it up.

To do a quick test, ask some simple questions that should always be easy to answer. Where did you grow up? What’s your favorite food from the area? What did you do over the holiday? It’s a sign to be careful if the answers keep changing.

Early Sign 2: “Let’s Move Off The App” Becomes A Trap

This move is used a lot in Romance Fraud. They tell you to quickly switch to email, Telegram, WhatsApp, or secret texting. It might look fine. “This app isn’t something I use often.” “It has bugs.” “I feel safer talking privately.” But going off-platform helps them with a romance scam. It cuts down on safety checks. It cuts down on reporting. Plus it’s easier for the app’s guardrails to keep you out.

Early Sign 3: The Video Call That Never Happens

Many people who have been scammed by romance fraud say the same thing years later: “We almost video called.” Almost. Almost always. There will be a problem with the camera. Don’t get it. A broken phone. A boss close by. A sick family member. It never stops. It’s easy to hide in this area because the face might not match the person.

Scammers may offer pre-recorded clips, voice notes, or “quick blurry calls” if they are catfishing. Do not agree with that. To get a real-time video call, just do something easy, like “wave your left hand and say the date.” What do you say is your answer if they say no?

Early Sign 4: Small Money Tests That Feel Like “Helping”

Romance Fraud is sneaky in this part. Most of the time, the first ask is small. A gift certificate. A phone bill. A “ride home.” A problem with “medicine.” The first time you ask, they might even pay you back. This is getting ready. You learn how to send money when you’re angry or when you don’t have much time. In an online dating scam, the phrase “I need it today” is often used as a hook. “I feel bad about it.” “Please don’t tell anyone.”

Early Sign 5: The “Investment” Twist And The Fake Helper

These days, a usual order is to put love first, then money, and finally “wealth.” All of a sudden, they start talking about crypto. It could be a “private opportunity.” A person who “helps them trade” or a friend. It’s very easy for this to turn into a crypto business scam.

People who want to trick you into investing in crypto may show you a website or app that looks real. It might even show fake earnings. After you “deposit more,” you can’t get your money back. Or the “support agent” shows up and asks for money.

If You Think Romance Fraud Is Already Happening 

First, breathe. You’re not stupid. Romance fraud is meant to trick smart people.

What to do next:

• Don’t send money or move talks to different apps.
• Keep track of chats, usernames, phone numbers, payment records, and any links to “platforms” as proof.
• Tell the tool you used and the people in charge in your area.
• Get help from a professional to check people’s names and find out what happened, especially if money was moved.

If you want experienced, discreet help sorting facts from fiction, talk to Lauth Investigations.