The Growing Threat of Romance Scams
Romance scams caused over €300 million in losses across Europe last year. Victims aren't foolish — these scammers are professional manipulators who study human psychology.
How Romance Scams Unfold
Phase 1: The Perfect Match
The scammer creates an attractive profile — often using stolen photos of a real person. They're typically:
The story always explains why they can't meet in person or video call.
Phase 2: Love Bombing
They shower you with attention, compliments, and declarations of love — often within days. This creates a strong emotional bond before you've had time to think critically.
"I've never felt this connection with anyone before. You're the one I've been searching for."
Phase 3: The Crisis
Once trust is established, the scammer introduces a financial emergency:
Phase 4: The Drain
The requests don't stop. Each payment leads to another crisis. Victims often send tens of thousands before realising they've been scammed.
Warning Signs to Watch For
How to Protect Yourself
It's Not Your Fault
Romance scam victims are not stupid or naive. These criminals are experts in psychological manipulation. If you or someone you know has been affected, report it and seek support.