Guide - Romance Scams

This guide will help people who have fallen victim to an online Romance scam. The aim is to minimise damage, prevent further loss and to gather evidence.

If you've realised that you have fallen victim to this type of scam and still in contact with the perpetrator, please reach out immediately to [e-mail].

Discovering that you've been involved in a romance scam can be emotionally devastating, as it often involves a significant emotional investment in addition to financial losses. Here's a comprehensive guide on what steps you should take:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognise and acknowledge the emotions you may be experiencing, such as betrayal, embarrassment, or anger. It's natural to feel a range of emotions when discovering that you've been deceived in a romance scam.

The people behind these types of scams have often been doing it for many years and are professionals, in that they do this everyday. They know human emotion extremely well making them predatory in their actions

2. Cease Communication: Immediately cease all communication with the individual involved in the romance scam. Block their phone number, email address, and any other contact information to prevent further manipulation or attempts to defraud you.

3. Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or a support group for emotional support and guidance. Talking to someone you trust can help you process your feelings and regain a sense of control over the situation.

4. Report the Scam: Report the romance scam to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Provide as much detail as possible about your interactions with the scammer, including emails, messages, and any financial transactions.

5. Protect Your Finances: If you've sent money or provided financial information to the scammer, take immediate steps to protect your finances. Contact your bank or financial institution to report the scam and request assistance with reversing any unauthorized transactions.

Blockchain/ Crypto Investigation: If you need support to track and trace any stolen digital assets like Bitcoin, please head to intelligenceonchain.com/services and open a case, or email [e-mail]

Do not trust any payments from them, including cryptocurrencies. If they send you money to gain your trust, don't assume it's real without checking with a professional. Reach out to [e-mail] for help. Remember, cryptocurrencies can be fake.

6. Educate Yourself: Take this experience as an opportunity to educate yourself about romance scams and online dating safety. Learn about common red flags to watch out for, such as requests for money, inconsistencies in the scammer's story, and reluctance to meet in person.

7. Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself both emotionally and physically during this challenging time. Engage in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness and meditation.

8. Stay Vigilant: Remain vigilant and skeptical when engaging in online relationships in the future. Remember that genuine romantic partners will not ask you for money or pressure you into making financial decisions.

9. Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of the romance scam, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor. A mental health professional can provide you with tools and strategies to process your emotions and move forward with healing.

10. Stay Hopeful: While recovering from a romance scam can be challenging, remember that you are not alone, and there is hope for healing and moving forward. With time, support, and self-care, you can overcome the trauma of the scam and emerge stronger and more resilient.

By taking these steps and prioritizing your emotional well-being, you can navigate the aftermath of a romance scam and work towards rebuilding trust in yourself and others. Remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time and space needed to heal from the experience.