55-year-old from Bad Hersfeld loses 47,000 euros to a love scammer!

55-year-old from Bad Hersfeld loses 47,000 euros to a love scammer!

In the digital world, where social networks and online dating platforms are very popular, the danger of love scamming cannot be underestimated. Just recently, a 55-year-old from Hersfeld-Rotenburg became a victim of this perfidious scam. Reports of this are alarming as more and more people are losing their hard-earned money to unscrupulous fraudsters. HNA reports that the lady was contacted via Instagram and over the course of their “relationship” ultimately transferred 47,000 euros to a perpetrator who posed as an engineer. The police warn urgently about this scam, which often starts harmlessly and can end in emotional and financial disaster.

But how does this trick actually work? Scammers often create fake profiles using stolen photos of attractive people. The most common “professions” of perpetrators are engineers, soldiers deployed abroad or doctors. By establishing an immediate, warm connection, they succeed in emotionally binding their victims. After months of trusting conversations, the “cash cow phase” follows, in which they suddenly ask for money – be it for medical emergencies or forged visa applications. The transfers usually end up abroad and can almost never be retrieved.

Warning signs for love fraud

It is particularly important to pay attention to certain warning signs. Consumer advice center suggests being vigilant when the alleged partner is not available for video calls or face-to-face meetings. Exaggerated declarations of love after a short time and the lack of mutual acquaintances are also clear indicators of potential fraud. Anyone who receives demands for money should break off contact immediately - because this is exactly where the key to avoiding financial ruin lies.

The increase in such cases can be observed across the country. Another case from 2023 describes a 63-year-old who also lost a five-figure amount. However, many of those affected prefer not to report the crime out of shame. This means that the number of frauds and damages continues to increase, as the Federal Office for Information Security states. It also shows that the perpetrators often blackmail their victims with personal pictures and videos.

What to do when it's too late?

Once you have actually transferred money, it is important not to make any further payments and to break off contact immediately. The consumer advice center recommends setting up a new email address and telephone number and keeping all relevant documents. Friends and acquaintances should also be warned to avoid further victims. It is also advisable to file a criminal complaint with the police, which can now also be done online.

This makes it all the more important to provide information and education about such scams. The Weisse Ring offers comprehensive information material and is available as a contact person for those affected. Everyone can help warn the public and protect potential victims - because one thing is clear: love scamming is a digital phenomenon that can only be combated together. The best protection is always your own distrust and a watchful eye on your own financial decisions.