Love and gifts can sometimes come from professional scammers—masters of disguise who are experienced and successful in their deception. What may seem like innocent flirting could actually be the start of a carefully crafted “romance scam.” In recent years, victims of love scams have been reported all over the world, with total losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
One notable case involves the scam operation known as “Liar Menting Lin Bi,” which highlights crimes rooted in romance and marriage fraud. Many online scammers are carefully selected for their appearance and communication skills, then forced into participating in fraudulent activities along border areas in Southeast Asia, such as Myanmar.
An investigative report by BBC International exposed the inner workings of such scams, including an exclusive interview with a former insider who revealed some of the most common tactics used to manipulate and trap victims.
These organized scams, often disguised as “travel recovery scams,” are essentially romance scams. Scammers contact their victims and, once they establish a relationship, use various unethical methods to get more money out of them.
A Closer Look at the “Romance Scam” Technique
Romance scams are one of the most widespread and deceptive types of online fraud today. Scammers exploit victims’ longing for love and emotional connection to carry out sophisticated financial traps.
Criminal groups often create fake social media profiles using stolen photos and made-up identities. They target individuals based on specific traits or interests. These scammers spend weeks—or even months—building trust with victims through constant communication, sweet talk, and empty promises, creating strong emotional dependence.
Common Scam Tactics Include:
- Fake emergencies requiring urgent financial help
- Investment “opportunities” promising high returns
- Requests for travel expenses to finally meet in person
- Claims of being detained and needing bail money
Tips for Protecting Yourself:
- Be cautious with online relationships, especially if you’ve never met in person
- Watch out for people who fall in love too quickly or move the relationship forward too fast
- Never send money to someone you’ve only met online
- Use reverse image search to verify if their profile photo is stolen
- Talk to friends or family about your interactions and get a second opinion
Remember: Real love doesn’t come with a price tag. If you suspect you’re being targeted by a romance scam, stop all communication immediately and report it to the proper authorities.
