Have you suffered financial loss from a romance scam?

FAQs

• Is it possible to recover funds lost to a romance scam?

  Romance scams remain widespread and sadly show no signs of decreasing. If you have been targeted by such a scam, feelings of shame or embarrassment are completely normal—but keep in mind that scammers count on these emotions to keep their victims quiet. When victims stay silent, it makes it easier for fraudsters to exploit more people.

  At InterClaim Alliance, we recognize both the financial and emotional impact these scams can have. As an SRA-authorised firm, we’re ready to help you reclaim your losses. Get in touch today to arrange a free consultation.

• Which forms of romance scams are most frequently seen?

  Romance scams appear in various forms, but these are some of the most frequent examples:

  Travel cost requests: Scammers pretend they want to meet the victim but lack the funds for travel, so they request money for airfare, visas, or related expenses.

  Fake medical crises: Fraudsters invent medical emergencies for themselves or a family member, asking for help with hospital or treatment bills.

  False investment schemes: Victims are persuaded to put money into bogus investments, often involving cryptocurrency, with promises of high returns that never arrive.

  Military impersonation: The scammer claims to be a deployed soldier who needs funds for personal leave or to come back home.

  Inheritance or business fraud: Scammers might say they’re about to receive a large inheritance or are involved in a business deal, but need cash to clear up legal or logistical hurdles.

• I’m not sure someone I’m chatting with is real, how can I find out if they’re a romance scammer?

  Here are some warning signs that someone could be a romance scammer:

  Unverified accounts: Most dating platforms now offer identity verification through facial recognition. If your contact hasn’t verified their profile, this could be a sign of a scam.

  Suspicious or unrealistic profiles: Look out for accounts with very few photos, little personal info, and minimal interaction. Scammers often use images stolen from models or social media to create fake identities.

  Avoiding in-person meetings: If the person repeatedly makes excuses for not meeting up or claims to be living overseas, it may be a scam. Genuine individuals typically suggest meeting, even if it’s difficult.

  Mentions of financial issues: A major red flag is if the conversation turns to money or financial troubles. This often begins subtly—such as not being able to pay rent or asking for help with travel costs—but it’s a common scam tactic.

  Refusing video chats: Consistently avoiding video calls or always coming up with reasons not to show their face is another indicator they may not be genuine.

• Are romance scammers prevented by dating platforms?

  Although dating apps and websites are becoming more conscious of romance scams, their capacity to fully prevent them is restricted. Many sites now include verification tools and offer advice to help users recognize fraudulent profiles.

  Nevertheless, scammers are still able to set up accounts and deceive others. Since dating platforms don’t oversee all interactions, users must stay alert and report any suspicious activity they notice.

• How can you help a loved one caught in a romance scam?

  If you suspect someone close to you is caught up in a romance scam, it’s vital to handle the conversation with care, as they might have strong emotional ties to the person. Gently encourage open dialogue about the relationship and express your concerns in a non-judgmental way.

  Share examples of typical romance scams and help them look for warning signs together. If you think any money has already been transferred, reach out to InterClaim Alliance for expert guidance on next steps. Our team can help you navigate the recovery process and offer legal support.