Romantic fraud: how scammers build trust and why anyone can be a victim
Romantic scams can affect people of any education level or income, as fraudsters target emotionally vulnerable moments, such as grieving the loss of a loved one. Experts Ruta Treija and Elvis Strazdiņš discussed the issue on Latvian Radio's “Kā labāk dzīvot” programme.
Romantic fraud: a threat to anyone
Anyone can become a victim of romantic fraud, regardless of their level of education or income. According to Latvian Radio's programme “Kā labāk dzīvot”, fraudsters typically exploit moments when a person is in an emotionally difficult situation, such as after losing a loved one.
The programme featured Ruta Treija, a lecturer in forensic psychology and criminology and a member of the British Psychological Society, and Elvis Strazdiņš, a cybercrime researcher and programmer. They explained how scammers build trust and why such schemes can last for years.
The key factor is not the victim's intellect or wealth, but their emotional vulnerability. People who have recently lost a loved one or feel lonely are more open to support and attention, which makes them easier targets. Fraudsters use this openness to create a strong emotional connection.
According to the experts, romantic fraud relies on psychological manipulation. The scammer gradually strengthens the bond by demonstrating empathy and interest, until the victim fully trusts them. This illusion can persist for a long time, and victims may fail to notice the warning signs.
The experts stressed that no one is protected — even well-educated and financially secure individuals can be deceived. Emotional vulnerability can override rational judgment, and victims should not be blamed for the fraud. The real responsibility lies with the manipulators who exploit human psychology.
