Help! My mother, my uncle, my acquaintance loves an internet fraudster. For outsiders, the case is usually clear: Internet love is a fraud. But the victim doesn't want to believe this and keeps transferring money. What to do? How can you support victims of love scammers?
Love fraud or love scam is a scam in which criminals establish a romantic relationship with online acquaintances. Over a long period of time, the victims are cared for, have long conversations and build trust. Real meetings usually don't happen. At some point the new love gets into trouble and asks for money. The victims, who already feel deep feelings and are plagued by a guilty conscience if they do not help the person, then also make referrals.
Victims don't want to know about fraud
You have probably already informed the person concerned of your suspicions. But victims don't want to hear about it. They are trapped in their own bubble and may even have the feeling that you are not begrudge them the man or woman of their dreams. This in turn will cause you incomprehension and anger.
But keep in mind:
Love scams target people who have a strong desire for love and a relationship. This need is met by the new internet love. Of course, victims find it difficult to give up this newfound happiness. Acknowledge this need and try to understand it.
Protect those affected from further losses – this is what you can do:
Research and get advice on the internet
First, find out about the scam, look for reviews and information on the Internet . On the Watchlist Internet you will find numerous articles about different forms of love scams. Below are some examples:
- Be careful if your online acquaintance asks for money
- True love or cheating? Here's how to find out!
- Beware of Love Scams on Facebook Dating!
- Do not send Steam credit codes to your online acquaintances
Contact Watchlist Internet . Experts from Watchlist Internet will clarify with you whether it is actually a scam. Federal Criminal Police Office also offers support and victim assistance.
Don't put pressure on victims
Do you want to protect the victim from further referrals, but the person doesn't want to listen to you? This will probably cause you incomprehension and anger. You might even get into an argument. The important thing is: Be sure to stay in contact and do not put pressure on the victim . Giving the person an ultimatum is the wrong approach. Offer your shoulder and a listening ear. Try to talk to the person calmly and make the person feel like they don't have to be embarrassed.
“Prove” fraud
Try to show with evidence why it is a scam. For example, put B. Articles or experience reports . Perhaps you also sought advice from Watchlist Internet? The assessment of the case by fraud experts open the victim's eyes. Sooner or later the person will see the fraud, but it will probably take you several tries. But always be understanding and never disrespectful . Victims are very vulnerable, shame also plays a big role!
No blame
The victim is not to blame! The person was the victim of emotional cruelty. Help the victim overcome the pain and shame. Have a listening ear or refer you to psychological help. Self-help groups can also be helpful in dealing with the incident!
Satisfy the need for love and affection differently
Find alternatives together on how the person's needs can be met. Suggest things to do together or encourage the person to join a club or club. Internet dating can still be an option, not every Internet flirt is fraudulent. Recommend paid dating platforms like Parship and show how love fraudsters can be exposed .
Tips for victims
- No more transferring money . No goods or voucher codes either!
- Cancel contact block the fraudster on all channels . In Saferinternet.at's privacy guides you will find step-by-step instructions on how to block and report people on different social networks.
- To file charges. To do this, bring all evidence and information about the fraud (account details, telephone number, email addresses, chat history, profile name, pictures, etc.) to the nearest police station.
- Beware of follow-up fraud: Criminals very often target victims again - usually some time later. Warn love scamming victims about alleged supporters such as Interpol, relatives of the scammers, foreign police authorities or victim advocates.
- In order to help their supposed love, victims often even take out loans. Debt counseling provides support with financial problems .
Source: Watchlist Internet
Also interesting:
In addition to financial damage, so-called “lovescamming” mercilessly exploits the victim’s need for closeness and attention.
Lovescamming – The modern form of marriage fraud
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