Romance Investment Scams: How Online Dating Fraud Works

Romance-based investment fraud is a method that first builds emotional closeness and then turns that trust into money transfers. This article describes how it works for information purposes.

💬 A Process That Starts with Getting to Know Someone

Contact usually begins on a dating app, on social media, or with a message that looks as if it arrived by mistake. The other side presents an attentive, understanding and steady profile and so builds trust.

📈 Steering Towards an Investment

Once enough closeness has been established, the conversation is turned towards the idea of "earning together". The other side suggests a platform on which they claim to "make profits"; the fake profit shown after a first small investment encourages larger transfers.

🚪 The Way Out Is Blocked

When a withdrawal is requested, additional payments are demanded under the excuse of "tax", "commission" or "account verification". At this stage emotional pressure is also used, which makes it harder for the victim to leave the process.

🛡️ Points to Watch

• Money sent to platforms recommended by someone unknown is a typical entry point of these schemes.
• Profiles that avoid video calls and keep asking for payments are treated with suspicion.
• A platform's SPK authorisation can be verified on the SPK list.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions