Scam Secrets

Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich

13 snips
Aug 7, 2025
Dr. Elisabeth Carter, a criminologist and forensic linguist, and Jim Winters, an economic crime expert, delve into the disturbing world of romance scams. They dissect how scammers use emotional tactics like love bombing and silence to manipulate their victims, leading to devastating financial losses. Listeners will learn about fake banking apps, the psychological tricks that keep victims hooked, and the importance of involving trusted friends to combat these schemes. With insights into the sophistication of modern scams, this conversation is both chilling and enlightening.
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ANECDOTE

Long Courtship Built Trust

  • Kirsty met a man online, talked by phone for weeks and believed he sounded British with a slight London accent.
  • The relationship built trust before any request for money, making later requests feel natural and urgent.
INSIGHT

Silence As A Coercive Tool

  • Silence is a deliberate tactic that creates anxiety and a protective response in victims.
  • That emotional gap primes victims to act quickly when contact resumes, increasing compliance with requests.
ANECDOTE

Fake Accident And Hospital Photos

  • After three days of silence the scammer said he'd been in an accident and sent hospital photos that appeared genuine.
  • Kirsty believed the images and worried for him, which deepened her emotional investment.
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