Internet Love Scam
As of December 2021
1099
victims
Have fallen prey to scammers
S$46.9
million
Total amount lost to scammers
S$3.0
million
Largest amount lost by an individual
WHAT IS AN INTERNET LOVE SCAM?
You are befriended by an attractive person (usually foreign) online and after gaining your trust, they ask you for money as proof of love. He/She will tell a tale about falling into trouble or hard times and ask for a loan from you. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears.
In some cases, your online friend may ask you to invest in a company or cryptocurrencies.
He/she may also request that you help them receive or transfer funds on their behalf using your bank account.
Look out for these scam signs
The scammer professes his/her love shortly after making contact with you and goes to great lengths to gain your interest and trust with loving words and offers to send you gifts.
The scammer will give all sorts of excuses when you request for a video call.
The scammer will share sudden stories of misfortune to gain your sympathy and requests money to help them out.
The scammer may send you parcels containing gifts like luxury goods or even cash to gain your trust.
How to stay safe
Always ask, check and confirm before you invest.
Money laundering is a serious offence. Offenders may be fined up to $500,000 and imprisoned for 10 years. You should note that you are responsible for all the transactions carried out on your account.
Explore each stage of this scam
The 5 Stages of Internet Love Scam
Discover the techniques behind the scam and red flags to look out for
Internet Love Scam: Real Stories
Get Help
What to do if you've been scammed
Compare Stories
Read about other people's experiences
Spot Signs
Learn the signs you need to look out for
Get Scamshield
Protection
ScamShield blocks messages and calls from numbers known to be used in illegal activities.
Find out more at scamshield.org.sg.
