A Love Story That Starts Online… and Ends in Loss
You meet someone on a dating app. They’re kind, charming, and emotionally available. You talk daily — share personal stories, dreams, and even future plans. Within days or weeks, they say they’ve never felt this connection before. You’re special.
Then, slowly, a problem appears. They’re stuck abroad. Their bank account is frozen. Their relative is in the hospital. They promise to pay you back — they just need your help “this one time.”
Real Love or Real Lies? How It Usually Plays Out
The scammer builds trust first. They’ll call you “baby,” “sweetheart,” or “soulmate.” You’ll video chat (often with fake or deepfake videos), exchange photos, and feel like it’s real. They may even send flowers or gifts (paid with stolen cards).
Then come the requests — small amounts first, then bigger:
🔸 Plane ticket home
🔸 Hospital bills
🔸 Investment in a joint future
🔸 A temporary loan until their funds clear
You feel emotionally attached, but you’re being emotionally manipulated.
Real Victim Story: Nila’s Experience with a “Foreign Doctor”
Nila, a 32-year-old from Chittagong, met a man on Instagram claiming to be a British doctor working with the UN. He was polite, respectful, and even sent her romantic poetry. Within weeks, he proposed marriage online.
Then came the twist — he was detained at Dhaka Airport, and customs needed money to release his “luggage full of dollars.” He begged Nila to send 50,000 taka.
She did. Then he disappeared.
Why These Scams Feel So Real
🔸 They mimic real emotional connections
🔸 They often use stolen identities or fake photos
🔸 Scammers operate in teams, creating fake profiles of family, friends, and coworkers
🔸 They study your posts and replies to mirror your interests and values
It feels personal because they make it personal. That’s what makes it dangerous.
✅ How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
🔸 Be cautious if someone you haven’t met in person professes love quickly
🔸 Reverse search their images (use tools like Google Image Search or TinEye)
🔸 Never send money or share sensitive information with someone you haven’t met
🔸 Avoid continuing relationships with anyone who avoids in-person meetings
🔸 Talk to a friend or family member before making financial decisions based on love
The internet has made finding love easier — but it has also made it easier for scammers to prey on lonely hearts. Be open to love, but keep your eyes open too. A healthy relationship will never ask you to choose between love and financial safety.
