{"id":95044,"date":"2025-12-24T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-24T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=95044"},"modified":"2025-12-24T14:04:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T12:04:35","slug":"romance-frauds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/romance-frauds\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Deal with People Who Fall for Romance Frauds?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>You must have encountered at least one of those crazy stories about someone falling in love with a suspicious stranger online, only to end up <strong>broke and heartbroken<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel like romance scams are the new soap operas; they&rsquo;ve got plenty of <strong>drama, deception<\/strong>, and people doing really stupid things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From a Danish prince to a fake US soldier &ndash; scammers come in all shapes and disguises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for the victims, they often end up sending a bunch of money, their home address, pictures, and even personal identification to complete strangers online!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, who are the people who fall for this stuff?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Love and Loneliness<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-93954\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93954 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/biggest-fear-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Clearly, people don&rsquo;t fall for romance frauds simply because they&rsquo;re gullible; often, they&rsquo;re <strong>desperately craving connection<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone&rsquo;s going through a tough period or feeling very lonely, their emotional denfenses tend to drop.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scammers count on this vulnerability, pretending to be the ideal partner and <strong>filling the void<\/strong> left by the lack of real-life relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The romance scammer becomes someone who cares and makes the victim feel special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being without that emotional fulfillment for too long can lead people to act carelessly. Plus, some scammers are master manipulators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Ignoring Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-93294\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93294 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ai-app-people-3-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Many of us are stuck somewhere between pity and itching to call these people out for being so naive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s &ldquo;blaming the victim&rdquo; to expect <strong>basic common sense<\/strong> from a grown-up person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;d think that if someone suddenly asks for money, everyone would take it as a giant red flag. But surprisingly, many victims don&rsquo;t see it that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&rsquo;re often blinded by the <strong>fantasy of love<\/strong>, even though the scammers&rsquo; stories can become wildly inconsistent and their requests for cash more pressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these romance fraud victims even overlook the fact that the scammer made a thousand excuses why they could never meet in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, this naivety and wishful thinking are exactly what allow the scammers to milk them for all they&rsquo;re worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Media Literacy (and Lack Thereof)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-90885\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90885\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90885 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-4-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest issues is the lack of media literacy, both among <strong>young and old people<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;d expect that a sixty-year-old person wouldn&rsquo;t be able to recognize online scams as easily, simply because they haven&rsquo;t spent that much time on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, many romance fraud victims are also middle-aged or younger; some are still in their 20s!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They tend to trust too quickly, seemingly forgetting the fact that a <strong>fake online identity<\/strong> can be created in under ten minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media and dating sites are a breeding ground for romance scams, but people often choose to ignore the warning signs because they want to believe in love.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, the scammers are like chameleons; they easily tailor their stories to fit what their victims want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. How Scammers Pick Their Victims<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-90899\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90899 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/women-attention-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Romance scammers stalk their prey. They look for people who display certain traits: loneliness, a recent breakup, or even an age that suggests they might be more trusting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And what better place to gather intel than social media? They pay close attention to <strong>what the victim posts<\/strong>, as well as their interests and vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They may also target people who seem empathetic and eager to help a &ldquo;struggling&rdquo; person.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s a very <strong>calculated game<\/strong>. The profiles they use to reach their victims are often tailored to appeal to specific emotional needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding how easy it is for people to stalk our online presence and use it against us is crucial. It can help people recognize these red flags early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Most Popular Romance Scammers<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-94227\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation.jpg\" alt=\"manipulation smile\" class=\"wp-image-94227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"manipulation smile\" class=\"wp-image-94227 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/man-manipulation-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some of these stories are straight out of a soap opera. There&rsquo;s the young woman who believed she was dating a <strong>Danish prince<\/strong>, only to get scammed out of thousands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or the person who thought they were dating a <strong>Nigerian royal<\/strong> and sent them huge amounts of money to help them &ldquo;take back their throne,&rdquo; ultimately falling for promises of future wealth and title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Military romance scams are also popular, where someone claims to be a <strong>US soldier<\/strong> deployed abroad, and the victim falls for their &ldquo;brave but lonely&rdquo; persona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the outside looking in, these stories sound bonkers, but scammers craft these elaborate tales because they know people want to believe in love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Cost of Falling for a Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-95045\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud.jpg\" alt=\"romance money\" class=\"wp-image-95045\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"romance money\" class=\"wp-image-95045 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/romance-fraud-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The emotional toll, as well as the financial, is huge when people fall for romance fraud.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many victims reveal that they spent all of their savings or even <strong>went into debt<\/strong> while engaging with the scammer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They end up embarrassed, having enormous <strong>trust issues<\/strong> to deal with after the whole thing is over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scammer&rsquo;s promises of wealth and a future together are what keep victims hooked long after they should have seen the signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the fraud is finally revealed, victims are left without any money, emotionally drained, and some of them even experience identity theft issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. How Can We Protect Ourselves?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-90884\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1068\" height=\"712\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3.jpg\" alt=\"desensitized by internet\" class=\"wp-image-90884\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1068\" height=\"712\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201068%20712'%3E%3Crect%20width='1068'%20height='712'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"desensitized by internet\" class=\"wp-image-90884 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/desensitized-internet-3-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Just because a scammer isn&rsquo;t around to slip their hand inside your pocket doesn&rsquo;t mean they can&rsquo;t rob you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our emotions and personal space need to <strong>be guarded<\/strong> much more carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Impulsivity<\/strong> is another huge problem when it comes to romance fraud, because people allow themselves to get seduced and act on their first instinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if only they&rsquo;d taken a few days to think it over, they&rsquo;d probably realize that it all sounds way too fishy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We must become more media literate, but we also need to look for holes in these outlandish stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More importantly, not all of these scammers stick to their online shtick. Some of them actively see and date their victims!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Verify identities<\/strong>, meet the family and friends, and allow your loved ones to take a good look at that perfect person you&rsquo;re dating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scammers are typically in a rush to get you to become attached, so <strong>love-bombing<\/strong> is a huge sign to look out for!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You must have encountered at least one of those crazy stories about someone falling in love with a suspicious stranger online, only to end up &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":95045,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[206,181],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-95044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personality","category-relationships"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=95044"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":96636,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95044\/revisions\/96636"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/95045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=95044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=95044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=95044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}