The days of meeting your future love in a bar, nightclub, or through a mutual friend are long behind us. The way we find and build relationships has changed dramatically, with online dating becoming the norm. While digital connections have their benefits, they also come with risks. Unfortunately, romance scams and catfishing have reached new levels of deception, causing devastating financial and emotional harm to victims.
This blog explores the reality of romance scams, their emotional and psychological impact, and how to spot red flags. We also provide resources for those who may have fallen victim to this type of fraud.
The Scale of the Problem
BBC Northern Ireland recently reported that “Over the course of the last year, 127 romance scams were reported to the PSNI, with the victims reporting a combined loss of more than £1m between them.” (Source: BBC News). One individual lost £200,000, saying the scam “had almost destroyed my life.”
Romance scams are particularly cruel because they involve the development of a relationship over time, fostering trust and emotional investment. Victims often feel ashamed and embarrassed, making them less likely to report the crime.
Notable Cases in the Media
Catfishing and romance scams have gained public attention over the years, with some cases making headlines. The GAA Catfish case emerged in 2022 when a scammer targeted one of the famous Two Johnnies of RTÉ fame. The scam has since resurfaced, with reports that the same individual has been targeting new GAA players and extorting money from them.
Another high-profile case, Sweet Bobby, was originally documented as a podcast by Tortoise Media, attracting millions of listeners worldwide. The story has since been adapted into a Netflix documentary, further demonstrating the growing awareness of romance scams.
Despite increased media coverage, these scams continue to evolve. Scammers use similar tactics to other forms of fraud, many of which we have covered in previous blogs.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Romance Scam
Being aware of the warning signs can help protect you or someone you know from falling victim to a romance scam. Here are key red flags to watch out for:
- Love Bombing: If someone is declaring their love for you very quickly or pushing the relationship forward at an intense pace, it may be too good to be true.
- Social Profile: Check whether they have a legitimate online presence. Can you find them on other social media platforms? Does their information match what they’ve told you? For example, do they actually work where they claim to?
- Communication: Where possible, keep conversations on the dating platform where you first met. Scammers often try to move communication to another app or platform as soon as possible.
- Profile Pictures: Don’t take profile pictures at face value. Use reverse image search tools such as TinEye or Reverse Photos to check if their photos are being used elsewhere.
- Alarm Bells: If something feels off, it probably is. Speak to friends or family for a second opinion.
- Money Requests: Never send or receive money from someone you haven’t met in person. This is a common tactic used by scammers.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you have been affected by a romance scam, you can find more information and report it here: NI Direct – Reporting a Scam.
For further reading on how to stay safe online, visit: NI Direct – How to Spot a Scam.
Stay Safe Online
Online dating can be a great way to meet new people, but it’s important to remain vigilant and aware of potential scams. By recognising the warning signs and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to romance fraud.
If you found this blog helpful, feel free to share it with friends and family to help spread awareness. Stay safe and remember – if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts!
