At a well attended meeting this week, one topic took center stage: romance scams. Through an informative presentation, the audience was walked through the methods used by scammers who prey on loneliness and the desire for a romantic connection. A growing problem The speaker opened with figures that made clear how widespread the problem has…

The internet has become part of everyday life. We use digital platforms to communicate, maintain relationships, access information, manage services and stay connected with people around us. For older adults in particular, gaining confidence online can open up important opportunities for communication and participation. But the digital environment also creates risks. When online relationships become…

In a world where relationships can begin with a message, a friend request or a conversation on a dating platform, the internet has created new opportunities for people to connect. For many adults, especially those who may be living alone, experiencing social isolation or simply looking for companionship, online communication can become an important part…

Myth 1: “Only older or uneducated people fall for love scams.”Fact: Anyone can become a victim. Love scams are based on emotional manipulation, not intelligence or education. They exploit universal human needs such as trust, connection, and belonging.  Myth 2: “I would immediately recognise a scam.”Fact: Many scams develop slowly and feel genuine. Scammers build…

Love scams often follow a pattern, even if each situation looks different on the surface. The process usually begins with an online contact. The scammer introduces themselves using a convincing profile and starts building a connection. Next comes the trust-building phase, where communication becomes more frequent and personal. The scammer may share stories, express emotions,…

Love scams are not only about fake profiles, they are also about psychological manipulation. Scammers often use techniques such as idealisation, where they present themselves as the perfect partner, and confirmation bias, where the victim focuses only on information that supports the relationship while ignoring warning signs. They may also use strategies like: These techniques…

Protecting yourself from love scams starts with awareness and simple precautions. It is important to verify who you are talking to. Asking for a video call or checking images using reverse image search can help confirm someone’s identity. Avoid sending money or sharing personal information with someone you have only met online, no matter how…

Recognising a love scam is not always easy, especially because scammers are skilled at creating convincing stories and emotional connections. One common sign is that the relationship develops very quickly. The person may express strong feelings early on, even though you have never met in real life. Another warning sign is avoidance. The person may…

A love scam, also known as a romance scam, starts with something that looks like a genuine emotional connection. Someone reaches out online, often through social media or a dating platform, and begins building a relationship. At first, everything seems real. The conversations are friendly, supportive, and sometimes even affectionate. However, the person behind the…