Guidance & Consulting
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 evidence, report, 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 are unfortunately common and can be incredibly damaging to your financial and emotional well-being. It's essential to understand how these scams work and what steps you can take to protect yourself. At EuroTrace, we're dedicated to empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from romance fraud.
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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What are romance scams?
Romance scams are cons in which the scammer pretends to have romantic feelings toward the victim in order to eventually persuade them to give or send money or gifts. These cons often begin on platforms such as Tinder and other dating sites. Romance scams can have devastating consequences: as well as losing money or possessions, victims are often left broken-hearted and vulnerable, and may have trouble forming trusting relationships for a long time. This type of scam is particularly cruel and can have long-term effects.
Common types of romance scams
The 'Classic' romance scam
A scammer matches with you on a dating site or app, gets close quickly, and declares strong feelings. They then request money or gifts, using the emotional connection to persuade you. Requests increase until you question them—then they often disappear or become aggressive.
The 'Pig Butchering' scam
A newer con (originating around 2020) that combines romance with investment fraud. After building a fake romantic connection, the scammer urges you to invest in a fake or fraudulent business. Many victims are well-educated women in their 20s–30s; average losses are around $98,000.
The 'Military' romance scam
The scammer poses as a member of the military, often targeting people who support or have ties to the military (e.g. via profiles or Facebook groups). The relationship escalates quickly, then they ask for money or gift cards and claim they're posted overseas when you want to meet.
Identity theft
You're sent an email from someone you matched with, with a link to view photos. Clicking the link lets the scammer access your device and harvest personal details—date of birth, address, card numbers, banking info—which they use to raid accounts or take out loans in your name.
Money muling
The scammer builds a fake close connection, then persuades you to move illicit funds—sending you money, phones, or valuables and convincing you to send them elsewhere. Victims can end up in a dangerous criminal network; steering clear is vital.
Key points
- Romance scams come in many forms and are extremely prevalent; scammers 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.
- In 2020, romance scams were the second-highest internet crime loss; statistically, women are more likely than men to be victimized.
- Companies like EuroTrace help recover money lost to romance scams by tracking stolen funds and confronting con artists.
- When dating online: don't give out personal information too quickly (ideally after meeting in person at least a couple of times). Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. If someone asks for money or gifts, it's usually best to walk away. Trust your instincts; if something seems off, stop contact. Report the person to the dating platform if appropriate.
Scammed and lost money to a romance scam?
Those who fall victim are often left heartbroken and vulnerable, as well as dealing with the loss of a significant amount of money. These feelings can make seeking help harder—victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed. At EuroTrace, we understand the devastating impact of romance scams. Our team can help you uncover the truth and provide the tools you need to potentially reclaim your losses. We'll work closely with you throughout the investigation, providing support and guidance every step of the way. You will have a caseworker who keeps you updated. Ready to take control? Start with a free consultation call, and we'll explain how our Investigation Report can help you.
Get a consultationHow to avoid romance scams
- •Be mindful about what you post online that the public can see—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 someone you've only interacted with online.
- •Never send content or photos that could be used to extort you later.
- •Treat it as a red flag if they say 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, Facebook, etc., sometimes sending friend requests or messages claiming they know a friend or went to the same school to start a conversation.
A con artist convinces the victim they should marry quickly so a large inheritance can be accessed, then asks for a significant sum for plane tickets and relocation—and disappears.
You can't be sure from a profile alone, but be wary of incomplete or sketchy profiles, only basic sections filled, or no photos (or blurry/indistinct images).
Ask where they grew up and ask for specifics (street, suburb, school, favorite restaurant). Scammers often give vague answers. Ask for a video chat as soon as possible—one of the best ways to verify who they are.
The 'Pig Butchering' romance scam, which first surfaced around 2020, is increasingly common. It involves being persuaded to invest in a fraudulent business, often related to digital currency.
We can investigate your case and provide an Investigation Report and Action Plan you can use to pursue retrieval of your money. Get in touch for a consultation.
Let's start your investigation
Get in touch and our team of experts will work tirelessly until they provide you the tools you need to get your money back.
