Romance Scams – PayBack

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Binary Options Scam: Retrieve Your Lost Funds

As you may be aware, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI have conducted an investigation into a number of recovery companies, including Payback. Payback fully cooperated with the authorities throughout their investigation, and we are pleased with their decision to return our website in order to resume our operations in the US.

This inquiry into Payback was an opportunity for us to perfect our product and services and ensure stricter compliance with applicable US law. We look forward to continuing our work helping victims of online scam get their money back.

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Retrieving your losses can be a lengthy process, and it all starts with our investigation. Therefore, we must have your trust every step of the way. So, if for any reason you are doubtful, you can ask for a full refund within 14 business days.*

Romance scams are unfortunately common, and they can be incredibly damaging to your finances and emotional well-being. It’s essential to understand how these scams operate and what steps you can take to protect yourself. At Payback, we’re dedicated to empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from romance fraud.

What are Romance Scams?

There are lots of different types of romance scams circulating but, in general, they are cons that involve the scammer pretending to have romantic feelings for their victim. The aim is to lure in the intended target to eventually persuade them to give or send money or gifts to the scammer. Now, these scams often begin on platforms such as Tinder and other dating sites.

Romance scams can have devastating consequences for those that fall victim to them, as well as losing money and/or possessions of value, the victim is usually left heart-broken, feeling extremely vulnerable. They may have trouble forming a trusting relationship in the future as a result. This type of scam is particularly damaging due to the long-term effects on the people who have found themselves entangled in romance scams.

Common Types of Romance Scams

The ‘Classic’ Romance Scam

In this scenario, an individual using a dating site or app will be contacted or matched with a potential partner and get chatting with them. That person, however, is a scammer and will attempt to begin the process of gaining the victim’s trust. Once they build that trust, the relationship often moves quickly, and the victim may feel flattered and that they’ve met the perfect match they’ve been looking for.

The scammer will then push that ‘relationship’ and may bombard their victim with messages, declaring their feelings and plans for their future. At some point, however, the con artist will request money or a gift. They may claim they need the cash to visit the victim, or for any other problem. Many emotionally coerced at this point are persuaded into co-operating to the equal without becoming suspicious.

Once money or gifts have been given, the requests for more will come frequently until the victim begins to wake up to realize what’s happening and questions the scammer. At this point, the con artist will usually cut that become aggressive – or more likely – vanish because the opportunity to scam will not be forthcoming – disappear into thin air.

The ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam

The so-called ‘Pig Butchering’ scam is a relatively new con that originated in China in 2020. It combines the romance scam with an investment scam. Once a scammer has tricked their victim and earned their trust, they will encourage them to invest in a business or in a fraudulent foreign or used a scheme now with their victim, they will get them to make the most in trial fake or fraudulent business.

Statistics have shown that, since this scam emerged a few years ago, this method is the most severe that well-crafted victims fall for, and they end up losing a huge amount of money: a victim lose is to a big getting $184,000.

The ‘Military’ Romance Scam

In this another widespread romance scam, a scammer creates an online fake soldier profile to create a convincing persona. They will cultivate an online relationship with their target by building their trust, affection, and a false story. Once the scammer feels the victim has shown vulnerability and devotion to the military, they can then request for money for seemingly big security located expenses.

Once the scammer has identified a vulnerable target, the typical pattern will be a soldier needing money for deployment, special leave, or even some sort of special expenses. At this point, the con artist will ask for money, or gifts could also be sought. When the victim agrees, the scammer will claim that they’re currently posted overseas.

Identity Theft

This type of romance scam isn’t concerned with persuading a victim to directly part with their funds. Instead, it’s about identity theft. This con typically involves a victim (who is active on a dating site) being sent an email from an individual they’ve matched with. This match will instead be fake, or in line to view some photos of the person they’ve connected with.

Unfortunately, once this link is clicked on, the scammer can access their devices and download the hardware of a multitude of personal details. These could include the victim’s date of birth, address, credit card information, social security information, passwords, bank accounts or a lot, or long-term, jeopardize the victim’s name.

Money Muling

With this romance scam, the victim that the scammer has targeted, is given the impression of forming a close connection with us, an assumed lover. The scammer convinces the victim that they need someone to send stolen money, goods, or valuable possessions and convince them to send these items elsewhere.

Stealing clear of this type of scam is wise as victims may find themselves wrapped in a wide-ranging criminal network that could be both difficult and dangerous to extricate themselves from

Key points

Romance scams come in a variety of shapes and sizes – we’ve listed the most common types above to help keep you informed, and scammers often target people using dating apps or websites.
It is estimated that around $300 million is lost every year to romance scams.
The average victim of a romance scam loses about $2,500.
Different types of scams emerge regularly, so staying vigilant is vital.
In 2020, romance scams were the second-highest internet crime loss.
Generally, women are more likely than men to be the victim of a romance scam.
Companies like Payback help to recover money lost to most types of romance scams by tracking down the stolen funds and confronting the culprits.

When dating online (or offline), remain mindful of the potential risks. Never give out personal information too quickly – ideally, once you’ve met that person at least a couple of times. Be wary of anyone or any platform that should start soon or go bad, and if they demand money or a gift, think again. It’s never too late to walk away. Trust your instincts if something seems off. Halt strange communication with the person, if appropriate, report the fraud to the dating platform using the process outlined and 2. Be wise.

Scammed and Lost Money to a Romance Scam? Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Those who have fallen victim to a romance scam are usually left heartbroken and feeling vulnerable due to having lost both the loss of often significant amount of money. These feelings can make seeking help and assistance daunting – this is why it’s so vital to remain informed so that your confidence, making it easier to avoid and deal with scams.

At Payback, we understand the devastating impact of romance scams. That’s why our team of expert investigators works tirelessly to uncover the true nature of each scam and the parties involved. We will work closely with you throughout the navigation process, providing support and guidance every step of the way.

You will have a caseworker who will send you constant updates and you can also request to see who is working on the investigation. Not only do we find ways to recover your money with the Investigation Report, but take legal action if necessary. Our investigators prepare each plan we develop to find out how our investigative report can help you.

If you’d like us to analyze your case to see if it’s one we believe we can win, reach out to us today. We look forward to helping you explore your best possible chances of recovering your funds and getting you the justice you deserve.

How to Avoid Romance Scams

Be mindful about what you post online that can be seen by members of the public; romance scammers can use social media to better target a mark and find out more about them that they’ll then use to their advantage.
Be wary of anyone on a dating site that quickly asks you to communicate directly rather than via the dating platform.
Go slowly, and don’t feel pressured to meet or impart information until you feel ready.
Research the person’s image and name to check if they’ve been used online elsewhere.
Never send money or gifts to anyone you’ve only interacted with online.
Never send any content or photos that could be used to extort you in the future.
View it as a red flag if the person says they want to meet you but always makes excuses or backs out at the last minute.

Romance Scams FAQ

Are romance scams common?

Unfortunately, yes. More money is lost annually to romance scams than any other FTC fraud category.

Where do romance scammers find their victims?

Dating websites and apps are commonly used, but scammers also set up fake profiles on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to lure their victims. In some cases, the scammer may pose as a friend’s friend or claim they know one of your friends or went to the same school as you.

What is a romance inheritance scam?

This is where the scammer convinces the victim they’re in a “relationship” and should get married quickly so a large inheritance can be accessed. Once convinced, the scammer asks the victim to cover fake legal and administration costs.

Can a profile reveal a romance scammer?

While tricky, incomplete profiles, overly polished photos, or blurry images are red flags. Be careful if the profile feels “off” or lacks detail.

What questions can I ask to help spot a romance scammer?

Scammers often lie about their background. Ask where they grew up, which school or university they attended, and what their favorite restaurant is in the place they claim to have lived. Details will help verify authenticity. Ask for a video chat as soon as possible — it’s one of the best ways to verify someone is real.

What is the fastest-growing romance scam?

The “Pig Butchering” scam, first surfacing in 2020, is the fastest-growing. It often starts as romance and turns into an investment scam, especially digital currency.

What’s the biggest romance scam to date?

In 2021, a Nigerian man was convicted in South Africa for scamming over one hundred American women. The total stolen: seven million dollars over ten years.

I lost money to a romance scam. What can I do now?

If you’re a victim, companies like Payback can help investigate your case, provide you with an Investigation Report and an Action Plan to help recover your money.

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.

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The types of scams we can help you with

Binary Options

Digital Currency

Forex

Property scams

Credit card phishing

Stock trading

Romance

Other scams

More about Payback and our Fraud Investigation Services

About Payback

PayBack has only one mission: to protect people from frauds and scams online worldwide, whatever it takes. We help victims of online fraud retrieve what is rightfully theirs using our Investigation Reports and tailored Action plans. Although several types of scams have stood the test of time and are constantly growing in number of victims, new scams constantly pop up. Our job is to stay updated on both old and new scams to help the victims and inform our clients on how to stay safe in the future. We aim to be the number one company in the world to whom people can turn when they try to protect themselves from scams or when they need the tools to fight back after being a victim.

How do Our Investigation Reports help retrieve losses?

Very often, recovering losses from a scam doesn’t require a lawyer, court, or the legal system in general. Processes such as ADR allow one to retrieve money lost to a scam without a lengthy legal procedure. Yet to do that, one needs to be familiar with the ADR process, with the intricacies of the bodies involved, and armed with the needed evidence. This is where our Investigation Reports come in handy. The investigation report not only finds and gathers all the needed evidence in one place, but it also provides a suggested Action Plan that guides our clients through the retrieval processes (such as ADR) and shows them step-by-step how to navigate them and what exactly they should do to retrieve their losses.

Do all cases end with a successful outcome?

Unfortunately, no. For example, some scams involve people taking cash from their victims. Such cases rarely have a successful outcome, and we make sure people who come to us with such cases know it. It is very important to us to be transparent with our clients, and we make sure to give them an honest and straightforward assessment of their case and what we believe they can expect in terms of retrieval of losses. So, if we believe you can do nothing to retrieve your money, we will tell you so immediately.

How do I know if I have a chance of retrieving my money?

This is exactly why our “Free consultation call” practice is in place. It gives you a chance to tell us what happened and get our initial thoughts free of charge. Once we present our opinion and similar cases we’ve dealt with before, you can make a more educated decision about whether our services are for you or not. So, before making a decision, secure a free consultation, and let’s move on from there.

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