Online dating scams report

How much money are people losing to online dating scams?

According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), romance scams reached a record $304 million in losses in 2020, up about 50% from 2019. The victims of online dating scams can be everyone.

What is a romance dating scam?

Dating & romance. Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details.

How do you spot a scammer on dating sites?

Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere. Go slowly and ask lots of questions.

What is confidence/romance fraud and how common is it?

Last year, confidence/romance fraud was the seventh most commonly reported scam to the IC3 based on the number of complaints received, and the second costliest scam in terms of victim loss. The IC3 is warning the public to be wary of romance scams in which scammers target individuals who search for companionship or romance online.

How much money have victims lost to online dating scams?

New warnings about romance scams have been issued after victims were conned out of more money than ever to online dating fraud, collectively losing more than £50,760,000. In 2018, Action Fraud received 4,555 reports of romance fraud, each of the victims losing an average of £11,145.

How much money are older adults losing to romance scams?

Bank transfers and payments sent in connection with romance scams accounted for about $31 million, nearly a third of the dollars older adults reported romance scam losses. (FTC 2020 - 2021 Protecting Older Consumers Report) Romance scammers reportedly took an additional $12 million total in cryptocurrency from older adults.

How much money are people losing to social media scams?

In the first six months of 2020, victims reported a record high of losing almost $117 million to scams that started on social media. ( FTC, October 2020) Over 35,000 victims reported that social media was the medium or tool used to facilitate online crimes. ( FBI, 2020 Internet Crime Report)

Are romance scams on the rise in online dating?

The use stalkerware, a software that enables someone to monitor a persons device without their knowledge, is another facet of romance scams that’s on the rise. Falling in love can be great. But before you let someone steal your heart online, keep these romance scam warning signs and online dating pointers top of mind.

How common is romance scams/confidence fraud?

There were almost 15,000 complaints categorized as romance scams/confidence fraud reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3) in 2016, with the victims suffering over $230M in losses. However, this may represent only a portion of the actual victims.

Who is the victim of romance fraud?

The victim of fraud can be an organization, person, or company. One type of fraud that is typically carried out against an individual is called a romance scam or romance fraud. What Is a Romance Scam?

What is the end goal of romance fraud?

However, the criminal’s end goal is only ever to get your money or personal information. Criminals are experts at impersonating people. They spend hours researching you for their scams, especially when committing romance fraud. Stop and think: it could protect you and your money.

What to do if you fall for a romance fraud?

PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud. If you’re in Scotland, you can report to Police Scotland by calling 101. Are you a victim of romance fraud? If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone.