A romance scam, or online dating scam, involves a scammer leading a person to believe that they are interested in love or a relationship in order to receive gifts, steal money, or manipulate a victim. Romance scams can take place in person, but the vast majority of them occur online, usually through a social media site, dating website, or app.
Some romance scammers may use a fake online identity to catfish the other person into believing they are someone they aren’t. Typically, dating scammers spend time getting to know you so they can earn your trust and ultimately become a love interest. Eventually though, the time will come when the scammer will ask you for money or sensitive information, such as bank account details — which could help them steal your identity. They may also ask you to transfer money for them, but in reality, the money is stolen, and you are helping them launder it.
Source
Protect Yourself from Online Romance Scams is written by Katana Dumont for www.chime.com
