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:
- Love bombing, overwhelming the victim with attention and affection
- Gaslighting, making the victim doubt their own judgment
- Gradual requests, starting small and increasing over time
These techniques are used step by step. The goal is to build emotional dependence and reduce the likelihood that the victim will question the situation.
Recognising these patterns can help people better understand how manipulation works and how to protect themselves.