Security at MeDirect
Romance scam
Be vigilant about interested friendships/relationships
What is a
romance scam?
This scam involves criminals creating fabricated online personas to build trust and ultimately defraud their victims.
Scammers establish false profiles on social platforms or dating apps, such as Tinder, Facebook, or Instagram. They cultivate close relationships, often romantic or friendly, and then exploit emotional vulnerabilities to solicit money, frequently in repeated requests. If you notice someone you know suddenly having intense communication and financial exchanges with an unknown online contact, be cautious.
Tips to recognise / avoid a romance scam
Dubious online profiles
Profiles that seem too perfect, contain minimal information, or use photos that appear across multiple accounts.
Exaggerated claims
The individual makes unrealistic statements or uses emotional manipulation to gain your trust / friendship / love.
International connections
The contact originates from someone residing in a foreign country.
What is a romance scam?
This scam involves criminals creating fabricated online personas to build trust and ultimately defraud their victims.
Scammers establish false profiles on social platforms or dating apps, such as Tinder, Facebook, or Instagram. They cultivate close relationships, often romantic or friendly, and then exploit emotional vulnerabilities to solicit money, frequently in repeated requests. If you notice someone you know suddenly having intense communication and financial exchanges with an unknown online contact, be cautious.
Inconsistencies
The information provided by the person contains contradictions.
Financial requests
They ask for money under the pretext of financial difficulties.