Love Scammers
- Terry Andersen
- Sep 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 18
In today’s hyperconnected world, cybercriminals are evolving faster than ever. From romance scammers to sophisticated hackers, every digital interaction carries risk. Awareness and vigilance are no longer optional—they are essential. This article exposes the common tactics used by online predators and shares immediate steps to safeguard your devices, identity, and finances, including smart tools like VirusTotal.
Love Scammers
Romance scammers prey on loneliness and trust. They create fake profiles with stolen photos and carefully manipulate emotions. Protect yourself: insist on a live two-way video call early on. If they dodge with excuses—work restrictions, poor connectivity, “company privacy”—end communication immediately. Never share personal details or money until you confirm their identity. Real love requires time and proof, not blind faith.
Desperate and lonely individuals can become easy targets for scammers because their longing for connection clouds their judgment. In their eagerness to feel loved or wanted, they may overlook obvious red flags, accept implausible stories, and even rationalize lies that a more cautious person would immediately question. This vulnerability makes them willing to believe declarations of love from strangers they’ve never met, share personal information far too soon, or even send money to someone they’ve only known online. Scammers are skilled at spotting this naivety and exploiting it without remorse, draining not only finances but also dignity, trust, and hope.
If you suspect you may have fallen for someone in an online scam, one of the wisest steps you can take is to involve a trusted family member or friend. Share the person’s profile, photos, and messages with them, and ask for their honest perspective. Often, an outside observer who is not emotionally invested can quickly spot inconsistencies, fabricated stories, or signs of manipulation that you may have overlooked. Bringing someone you trust into the situation not only provides clarity but also gives you support as you navigate the difficult process of breaking away from a potential scammer.
Excuses
Scammers recycle the same lies: offshore oil jobs, military service, or “company rules” preventing video. Do not fall for any excuse to not engage in a live 2-way video call. Genuine relationships are built on transparency, not secrecy. Beware of “love bombing”—declarations of devotion or marriage after minimal contact and not interacting in a live 2-way video. If you’re feeling lonely, connect with family, friends, or community activities instead of handing strangers an opening to exploit your vulnerability.
Photos
Never download files or images from someone you don’t know. Use screenshots instead—malware often hides in file structures, but a screenshot strips it away. Protect your devices as fiercely as you protect your heart.
Hackers & Criminals
Beyond romance scams, hackers exploit weak passwords, outdated software, and unsecured Wi-Fi to steal data. Others use phishing emails or even infected USB drives. Use strong, unique passwords, update your systems, and avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Treat every unknown link, file, or device as a potential threat.
VirusTotal: A Simple Line of Defense
VirusTotal offers free, fast scans of files, images, and links. Upload suspicious content before opening it. Paste questionable URLs for instant safety checks. This simple habit can prevent catastrophic breaches.
Security Basics
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds a critical layer of protection.
Use a VPN: Encrypts your connection on public networks.
Stay Alert to Phishing: Delete suspicious texts or emails immediately—such as “Hi Mom, here’s my new number.”
