Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital landscape, with a recent survey shedding light on an alarming trend: scammers impersonating individuals close to their targets. Conducted by ClarityCheck, the survey included approximately 1,900 adults from the U.S., UK, and European Union, revealing that 64% of respondents had received suspicious messages or calls appearing to be from known acquaintances.
Notably, nearly half of these encounters involved impersonation of former romantic partners or close friends. The findings indicated that 38% of victims initially believed in the authenticity of the scammer for several days, even when requests for money or sensitive information were made. The survey highlights the strategic methods employed by scammers, who often build trust with victims before soliciting financial or personal data.
The report noted that individuals who had recently experienced breakup, relocation, or isolation were 52% more likely to engage with someone suspicious for an extended period. Ihor Herasymov, managing director of ClarityCheck, commented on the emotional manipulation involved, stating that familiarity can overshadow the typical warning signs associated with fraud. This manipulation not only results in financial loss but can also alter victims' perceptions of their past relationships and judgment.
In response to the rise in romance scams, lawmakers have begun advocating for preventive measures. In September, two U.S. senators reached out to Match Group's CEO regarding these issues, although no public update has followed. In an effort to enhance user safety, dating apps like Tinder have introduced mandatory facial recognition scans for new users, while Hinge is planning to pilot similar measures.