Romance scams are common and, unfortunately, show no signs of slowing down. If you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, it’s natural to feel embarrassed or ashamed—but remember, scammers rely on these emotions to keep their victims silent. By not speaking out, many victims unknowingly allow fraudsters to continue preying on others.

At Vantacorex Limited, we understand the emotional and financial toll of romance scams. As an SRA-regulated firm, we’re here to help you recover what’s rightfully yours. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Romance scams can take many forms, but here are some of the most common types:

Requests for money for travel expenses: The scammer claims they want to visit the victim but cannot afford to travel. They ask for money to cover flights, visas, or other travel costs.
Medical emergencies: Scammers often fabricate serious health issues (for themselves or a loved one) and ask for financial help to pay for medical treatment.
Investment opportunities: Scammers convince victims to invest in fake opportunities, often related to cryptocurrency, promising high returns that never materialise.
Military deployment scams: The scammer pretends to be a soldier stationed overseas, claiming they need money for personal leave or to return home.
Inheritance or business scams: Scammers may claim they are entitled to a large inheritance or involved in a business deal but need money to resolve legal or logistical issues.

Here are some signs that someone might be a romance scammer:

Unverified profiles: Many dating apps allow users to verify their identity using facial recognition software. If the person you’re talking to has not verified their profile, it’s a potential red flag.
Unrealistic or suspicious profiles: A highly polished profile with few photos, little personal information, and minimal social engagement may indicate a fake account. Scammers often use stolen images from models or social media accounts to create false identities.
Reluctance to meet in person: If the person keeps making excuses for not meeting or claims to be in a different country, it could be a scam. Genuine people usually suggest a meeting, even if they live far away.

Loan fee fraud: You’re accepted for a loan, but before it’s “approved”, you’re asked to pay a fee for insurance, processing or an admin charge. Once paid, the loan never arrives, and the scammer disappears with your funds.
Job scams: You apply for a job and are told you’ve been successful. But before you can start, you’re asked to pay for background checks, training, or admin costs. Once paid, the job offer vanishes, and so does the scammer with your money.
Social media competition: You’re told you’ve won a prize in a competition, perhaps one you never even entered. But to claim it, you need to pay a small fee for delivery, verification or admin. After you pay, the prize never arrives because the competition was fake.
Rental property scams: You find a great rental property online. The “landlord” asks for a deposit to reserve it, often claiming there’s a lot of interest or that you can’t view it in person. After you send the money, the property turns out to be fake — or already rented to someone else.

While dating websites and apps are increasingly aware of romance scams, their ability to prevent them is limited. Many platforms now offer features like profile verification and provide users with guidelines on spotting fake profiles.

However, scammers can still create accounts and exploit people. Dating websites don’t monitor every conversation, so users need to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.

If you believe a loved one is involved in a romance scam, it’s important to approach the situation delicately, as they may be emotionally invested in the relationship. Encourage them to speak openly about the relationship and share your concerns without being judgmental.

You can provide examples of common scams and help them review the signs. If you believe money has already been sent, contact WRS for professional advice on how to proceed. We can guide you through the steps to recover the funds and provide legal support.