What is a Sweetheart Scam and How Does it Work?
Tips to staying safe from Romance Scams. A sweetheart scam, also known as a romance scam or catfishing, is when criminals use fake online profiles to build a relationship to manipulate and steal from you. It starts innocently with a dating app match or social media friend request but eventually, they begin asking for money.
Common Sweetheart Scam Tactics:
•Love Bombing – excessive praise and affection early on to manipulate your emotions.
•Inconsistent Details or changes in their story.
•Avoids Video Calls or Meeting in Person using excuses like emergencies or family tragedies.
•Asks for Money often for an emergency or to travel to meet you.
How to Protect Yourself:
•Be cautious about what you post online. Scammers may use social media details to target you.
•Be wary if someone seems too perfect or moves too quickly.
•Be suspicious if they always make excuses to avoid meeting in person.
•Meet in public. Always meet in a public place. Tell a friend who and where you’re meeting.
•Take your time and ask a lot of questions.
•NEVER send money to someone you’ve only met online or by phone.
If you think you’ve been targeted, don’t feel embarrassed. The criminals carrying out Sweetheart Scams seem caring, authentic and believable. Make sure to immediately:
1.Report to Authorities: File a report with local police and notify your financial institutions.
2.Protect Your Accounts: Change your passwords immediately.
3.Block the Scammer: Remove them from all communication channels, including social media and messaging apps.
The Missouri SMP is here to provide you with information you need to protect, detect, and report potential Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. If you think you or a loved one has been a target of a Medicare scam, call the Missouri SMP at 888-515-6565.
This project was supported, in part, by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $662,347 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government
Comments 17
Michelle
This article provides timely and useful information. Thanks for providing it.
Janet Ward
I am glad there pople looking out for us seniors.
Daphne Phillips
Thank you AA for information given to seniors and all on fraud, but has AA reviewed its menu for February. Cyber Seniors has a viewing on AI. AI usuage is a major contributor to fraud. Please understand AI has many benefits, but listen again to CyberSeniors. There is a section on AI being a companion for those fighting with loneliness. Scammers use AI and loneliness is a key factor in people giving their data, i.e. social security data, family information, vital data and causing confusion – is it real or a computer, is this AI companion part of a valid program or from another that may be fraud. If therewas a comment section for CyberSeniors I would give the same comment. In the future, please review. Aging Ahead you are a special organization.:)
Carlyn Webber
Excellent info although it’s not always strangers that are the source of the difficulty.
William Henderson
This information is useful to pass along also. There arer movies made about this kind of scamming. Not one of us should ignor this information for present or futurer reference.
Freddie Foxx
good info. l always try to share with my senior family and friends
Gladys Wagoner
Reminders are always good, as we may think it couldn’t happen to us. Looking forward to better times ! Thanks !
Benda Morgan
Thank you this was some very good imformation.
Daphne Phillips
On February 14, 2025, I attended an AA/AARP presentation at Lewis & Clark library. Dave, an AARP manager, showed how this sweetheart scam works and other fraud/scam work. Kudos to this visual person presentation. Those attending had great questions on all types of scams/frauds, and given info on how to handle or act on a situation. Thank you Erica (Aging Ahead) and Dave (AARP). 🙂
Jacqueline S
Predators are everywhere
Eva Fox
Thank you for updating me on how to be aware and ake precautions. I am ignorant of AI, I am willing to learn more.
peggy conners
this is very helpful
Shirley Wells
Thanks for the information. It’s so important to guard against the myriad of shams these days.
robert cusumano
this happens on facebook daily!
fred
this is very helpful
eric mosely
Great tips on how to maintain my privacy. Thanks
JACQUELINE SHELBY
the information was very informative