Investigation
Romance Scams
Get your money back from romance scams. Thousands of clients have used our Investigation Report to retrieve their losses.
Our approach
How it works
From case review to action plan and expert support-we give you the tools to pursue recovery.
Review your case
Based on our experience, we perform preliminary checks to assess whether your case can result in a substantial retrieval of losses.
Gather the evidence
We then gather every piece of evidence you have from your contact with the scammers along the way.
Investigation Report
We investigate your case and the people who scammed you to provide a detailed Investigation Report.
Action Plan
With our Investigation Report, you'll receive a step-by-step action plan explaining how we believe you can retrieve your losses.
Expert Assistance
Our team of experts can guide you in the execution of the recommended action plan.
Get your money back
Once you successfully execute the suggested action plan, you could retrieve a substantial part, if not all, of your money.
We understand the impact of romance scams
Romance scams can be incredibly damaging to your financial and emotional well-being. At EuroTrace, we're dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself and to pursue recovery if you've been targeted. We investigate your case, uncover the truth, and provide a clear path forward.
Your money back guarantee
If for any reason you are doubtful, you can ask for a full refund within 14 business days.
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Overview
What are Romance Scams?
Romance scams are cons where the scammer pretends to have romantic feelings for the victim to eventually persuade them to send money or gifts. They often begin on dating sites and apps like Tinder. As well as losing money, victims are often left broken-hearted and may have trouble trusting again. This type of scam is particularly cruel and can have long-term effects.
Common Types of Romance Scams
The 'Classic' Romance Scam
An individual using a dating site or app is matched with a scammer who feigns a relationship. The scammer pushes to meet quickly, declares strong feelings, then requests money or gifts. Once money is given, requests increase until the victim realizes and the scammer disappears.
The 'Pig Butchering' Scam
A con that combines romance with investment fraud. After building a fake romantic connection, the scammer advises the victim to invest in a fake or fraudulent business. Since emerging in 2020, the majority of victims have been well-educated women in their 20s-30s; the average loss is around $98,000.
The 'Military' Romance Scam
The scammer creates a convincing military persona on dating sites, often targeting people with military connections. The relationship escalates quickly, then money or gift cards are sought. When the victim asks to meet, the scammer claims they're posted overseas.
Identity Theft
The victim is sent an email (e.g. from a dating-site match) with a link to view photos. Clicking the link lets the scammer access the device and harvest personal details-date of birth, address, credit card, banking info-for fraud or loans in the victim's name.
Money Muling
The scammer persuades the victim to move illicit funds to launder money-sending the victim money, phones, or valuables and convincing them to send these elsewhere. Victims can end up embroiled in criminal networks.
Key points
- Romance scams come in many forms; they are extremely prevalent and often target people on dating apps or websites.
- Around $300 million is lost every year to romance scams.
- The average victim loses about $2,500.
- New scam types emerge regularly-staying vigilant is vital.
- In 2020, romance scams were the second-highest internet crime loss.
- Statistically, women are more likely than men to be victims of romance scams.
- Companies like EuroTrace help recover money lost to most types of romance scams by tracking stolen funds and confronting con artists.
- When dating online (or offline), remain mindful of risks. Never give personal information too quickly; be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. If someone requests money or gifts, it's usually best to walk away. Trust your instincts.
Scammed and Lost Money to a Romance Scam? Here's What to Do Next
Those who fall victim are often left heartbroken and vulnerable, and may feel embarrassed. At EuroTrace, we understand the impact. Our team can help you uncover the truth and provide the tools you need to potentially reclaim your losses. You'll have a caseworker who keeps you updated throughout the investigation. Get a free consultation and we'll tell you how our Investigation Report can help.
Get a consultationHow to Avoid Romance Scams
- •Be mindful about what you post online that can be seen by the public; scammers use social media to target and research victims.
- •Be wary of anyone on a dating site who quickly asks to communicate off the platform.
- •Go slowly; don't feel pressured to meet or share information until you're ready.
- •Research the person's image and name to see if they've been used elsewhere online.
- •Never send money or gifts to anyone you've only interacted with online.
- •Never send content or photos that could be used to extort you later.
- •View it as a red flag if they want to meet but always make excuses or back out at the last minute.
Romance Scams FAQ
Unfortunately, yes. More money is lost annually to romance scams than any other FTC fraud category.
Dating websites and apps are common, but scammers also use fake profiles on Instagram and Facebook-sending friend requests or unsolicited messages, sometimes claiming they know a friend or went to the same school.
A con artist convinces the victim they should marry quickly to access a large inheritance, then asks for money for plane tickets and relocation-the inheritance and relationship are fake.
You can't be sure from a profile alone, but be wary of incomplete or sketchy profiles, few or blurry photos, and basic sections only.
The 'Pig Butchering' romance scam, which first surfaced in 2020, combines romance with fraudulent investment advice, often involving digital currency.
We can investigate your case and provide an Investigation Report and Action Plan you can use to try to retrieve your money. Get in touch for a free consultation.
Let's start your investigation
Get in touch and our team of experts will work tirelessly to provide you the tools you need to get your money back.
