Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain an individual’s affection or confidence. The scammer uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from an individual. The criminals will seem genuine, caring, and believable, with the intent to quickly establish a relationship and endear themselves to someone. They gain trust and eventually will ask for money. Scam artists often claim to be serving in the military or employed in a trade-based industry engaged in projects outside the U.S. This makes it easier to avoid meeting in person, and more plausible when they request money be sent overseas for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee. They are masters at garnering trust.
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