Modus Operandi and Blockchain Analysis of Romance Scams
Introduction
As technology has evolved so has our ability to interact with one another. I will
discuss how the use of various dating applications has changed the way people interact
with one another and how this has opened the doorway for scammers to attempt to
launder money from unsuspecting victims. By using dating applications scammers will
gain trust of the target user’s by attempting to connect with them on an emotional level.
Scammers will attempt to gain trust and then request funds under false pretenses.
Scammers will use social networking sites like Facebook, Tinder or Bumble to attempt to
find targets. Scammers will make an appealing profile that someone can relate to and
engage with. After scammers get to know their targets, they will complain of financial
hardships or an elaborate story of how they need some type of currency. In the final stage
of the interaction once the scammer has the desired funds, they will cease communication
and delete all profiles like they never existed. The popular currency used is crypto
currency. The two most common cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Modus Operandi and Blockchain Analysis of Romance Scams
This article relates to social science’s by examining through data the behavior of
scammers who use dating applications to try to launder money through cryptocurrency by
targeting unsuspecting victims. From May 2022 to October 2024 107 verified cases were
analyzed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares, regression, and blockchain
forensic analysis to examine romance scams. There are many agencies involved that go
through data and analysis to help scammers trying to launder money.
To help mitigate potential victims from falling for romance scams is establishing an
awareness and prevention program for the public. Educating people on the dangers and
warning signs of romance scams is crucial. By exploring warning signs when interacting
with others online can help prevent someone from falling for a romance scam.
In conclusion the article explains how social media is used for romance deception
and the eects it has on victims. The victims not only endure financial strain but also the
mental anguish it has caused as well. This article explains the types of social networking
applications used and the preferred method to launder money using cryptocurrency.
Scammers will attempt to meet someone through a dating application and then move the
conversation to another social networking application such as Facebook or WhatsApp thus
making it easier to extract money from victims.
targeting unsuspecting victims. From May 2022 to October 2024 107 verified cases were
analyzed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares, regression, and blockchain
forensic analysis to examine romance scams. There are many agencies involved that go
through data and analysis to help scammers trying to launder money.
To help mitigate potential victims from falling for romance scams is establishing an
awareness and prevention program for the public. Educating people on the dangers and
warning signs of romance scams is crucial. By exploring warning signs when interacting
with others online can help prevent someone from falling for a romance scam.
In conclusion the article explains how social media is used for romance deception
and the eƯects it has on victims. The victims not only endure financial strain but also the
mental anguish it has caused as well. This article explains the types of social networking
applications used and the preferred method to launder money using cryptocurrency.
Scammers will attempt to meet someone through a dating application and then move the
conversation to another social networking application such as Facebook or WhatsApp thus
making it easier to extract money from victims.