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A woman from Schlitz in the Vogelsberg district became a victim of love scamming. The fraudsters stole a five-figure sum. The police issue important warnings.
Schlitz – A 58-year-old woman from Schlitz in the Vogelsberg district was the victim of a sophisticated fraud. She came into contact with an unknown person via Facebook and fell for the so-called love scamming scam, according to the East Hesse police headquarters Fulda announced in a press release.
“Within several months, the woman bought vouchers worth a low five-figure amount and sent them to the unknown person,” reported police spokesman Marc Leipold. “It was only when the woman was asked to make a transfer to a foreign account that the fraud was discovered.”
Police warn: Love scammers cheat on woman from Schlitz
The woman reported the matter to the police. Love or romance scamming is “particularly perfidious because it is associated with high emotional stress for the victims. Scammers are looking for potential victims on online dating sites or social networks – with the sole aim of taking money out of their pockets.”
According to the police, the fraudsters usually pose as attractive men or women of a younger age and by sending pictures and videos in a nice outfit – with light or authoritative clothing – they give their victims the impression that they are a real person.
“But far from it, the person in the footage is definitely not the one who is texting with you. That's why there is never a personal meeting,” said the police spokesman. In order to build trust, scammers shower their victims with compliments and expressions of love early on and over a long period of time.
These phases can last weeks or months until financial distress is feigned and money transfers are requested. “Many of those who suffer also pay, after all, at this point they are already emotionally dependent on their Internet partner.”
If those affected insist on handing over the money in person, the alleged lovers claim that they are unable to do so and send supposedly trusted people to receive the money. The officials emphasize: “Consequences such as withdrawal from society and feelings of shame provide a platform for fraudsters.”
Police tips: How to recognize love scammers
The first contact takes place via social media or dating platforms. Most scammers communicate in good English or German. While male scammers often wear uniforms in pictures, female scammers attract people with an attractive appearance and light clothing. Scammers shower their victims with compliments and exuberant expressions of love early on.
The police in East Hesse advise in the event of a love scamming scam: “Speak openly about what happened, anyone can become a victim. Don't be afraid to call the police if you have doubts or have already fallen for a live scamming scam. The police will provide you with advice and support.”
Officials recommend taking four steps if you suspect you've been a victim: ignore, secure, get help, block. “Do not accept the request and under no circumstances transfer any money. Save all emails and chat texts as evidence. Report it to the police. Break off all contact.”
Meanwhile, a woman from the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district lost around 47,000 euros some time ago due to love scamming. Love scammers recently deceived a man from the Schlüchtern area in Kinzigtal. In total, the man transferred around 1,400 euros over four months.
