100 Most Common Photos Used by Romance Scammers This Valentine’s Day

 

Today's post is a bit of a public service announcement in an attempt to help people avoid online scams.  Lots of people fall victim to these types of things every year.  Many of them are young and highly educated.

Here's an amazing stat... in 2023 Americans were fleeced for $1.14 billion in romance scams.  Adding to that shocking info, the stat for 2022 was $547 million.  That means that the amount of money stolen from lonely victims more than doubled in a single year.

During 2024 I happened to read several articles from major news outlets, including the New York Times, that told of adult children discovering their older parents, many of whom had lost their spouse, had spent their entire life savings on scams like this.  Articles discussed millions of dollars sent to scammers posing as lonely, single people trying to find true love.  Often the fund transfers continued even after they were discovered by an adult child because the parent said the child "just didn't understand.  This person would never hurt me.  We are in love and they need help."  I also want to add that the victim isn't always elderly and potentially in mental decline.  Many young people are taken in by these scams as well.  Some have even said they knew better, but they got caught up in relationship anyway.

It's a sad reality that this happens.  There has always been a criminal element in humanity and there always will be.  The part of this that is truly troubling is people preying on the hearts and minds of the vulnerable, people who are lonely and truly need someone.

As regular readers know, I'm a big fan of AI in dentistry.  It can do some amazing things and definitely helps us in diagnosis.  However, like everything in life, there is no left without a right, no up without a down, no good without a bad.  Unfortunately this also applies to AI.  Scammers are now utilizing AI systems to create amazingly believable emails designed to help draw victims in.  They are also using AI to create incredible images of very attractive people to help draw victims in as well.

Five suggestions I read lately that can help people avoid these types of scams are:

1. Never send money to online acquaintances.  If you've never physically met the person, don't send money.
2. Insist on video chats to confirm the identity.
3. Be cautious of claims involving military service or living abroad.
4. Be wary of individuals who express love or commitment too quickly.
5. Do not invest anything proposed by someone you have only met online.

Number 5 above is critically important.  Some of the scams draw victims in and then tell them about a great investment opportunity.  A fake website that shows the investment growing, completes the scam.  Of course when the victim attempts to withdraw any money, the website vanishes along with the victims funds.

The moral is to be alert and skeptical online.  These types of scams leave the victim penniless, alone, and ashamed.  I really dislike having to even warm people about things like this.  However, if I can help even one person, it's all worth it.