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Romania Romance Scams Booming, Say Investigators
2/18/2013
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Romance scams have become a global phenomenon that began in Nigeria but have since spread worldwide, with criminals based in nearly every developed country as well as the developing world.
If you’re meeting people online, whether it’s an online dating site like Match.com or a social network like Facebook, you’re at risk. Private investigators and privacy experts say no site is 100% immune from fraud, so it’s up to internet users to stay skeptical. International investigators say Romania scams are one of the fastest growing countries internet fraud and romance scams.
As the economy and employment situation remains grim in Europe, internet users are at an increased risk from one industry that is booming – romance scams and dating fraud. Criminals based in Romania are more active than ever. Online scammers target internet users on match making sites, online dating sites, and major social networks. Their goal is to slowly gain your trust, and law enforcement agencies are receiving more complaints than ever before. Law enforcement agencies often have jurisdictional problems, and are overwhelmed with requests, so the bottom line is that many scam victims have limited options. Once the damage is done, it is often too late. Investigators emphasize the important of dating background checks early.
Most of the scams coming from the Baltic Region and Eastern Europe have the same modus operandi, and Romania is no exception. Someone, usually a woman sends you an unrequested email (spam) to your personal account and says she’s seen your photo or profile on Facebook. Or, it may be even someone you’ve contacted on cams or adult chatting website. Scammers also work to scam victims on major social networking site or online dating site. One way or another, the criminals will contact you or quickly respond to you online, pursuing a serious relationship. They hope to gain your trust and personal data, and then, of course, your money.
Scammers gain your trust and your feelings. If you think you’re too smart or careful to be a victim, don’t be too sure. Many experienced scammers in Romania may not even ask you for your money or personal data. Some instead may choose to send you an attachment or file to install a virus on your computer, then accessing your passwords and personal data to steal your identity.
Investigators advise that whenever you begin an internet relationship, or are communicating with someone online you don’t know, you cannot rely on what you read over the internet, and cannot just Google the contact information to find out the truth. Verifying a person abroad requires a skilled investigator in the country or city where you need them, who is properly trained and has the resources to verify a person, and all their information. It is the only way to be safe.
All the best,
S. Birch
© 2013 S. Birch
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