🚨 How Romance Scams Work

Scammers target victims through dating apps, social media, or even direct messages. They craft elaborate stories to gain trust, express deep affection quickly, and ultimately manipulate victims into sending money or making major financial decisions.

Here’s a common pattern:

• They move fast—within days or weeks, they’re calling you their soulmate.
• They make plans to meet—but always cancel at the last minute with an excuse.
• They claim to be in trouble—a sudden emergency, medical issue, or business problem that only you can help fix.
• They ask for money—often in the form of wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• They gain financial control—some even convince victims to update their estate plans, name them as beneficiaries, or give them power of attorney.

Once they’ve drained as much as they can, they vanish.

🔴 Red Flags to Watch For

If you or someone you know is in an online relationship, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

✅ They’re NOT a famous person.
Let’s be real—you’re not secretly chatting with Post Malone. If someone claiming to be a celebrity reaches out, it’s a scam.

✅ They always cancel plans to meet in person.
Scammers make excuses like work trips, visa issues, or last-minute emergencies. If someone really wants to be with you, they’ll show up.

✅ They ask for money—fast.
A sudden hospital bill, a "business deal," or a frozen bank account? Scammers love a good financial crisis to push you into wiring money.

✅ They want access to your finances or estate plan.
If they ask to be added to your bank account, investment accounts, or will, run. Real love doesn’t come with financial ultimatums.

💼 How to Protect Yourself and Your Legacy

🔹 Talk to trusted family and friends. Scammers try to isolate their victims—if your loved ones are concerned, listen to them.

🔹 Never send money to someone you haven’t met. If they’re real, they won’t need you to fund their emergencies.

🔹 Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information. Scammers use small details to manipulate you.

🔹 Secure your estate plan. Work with a trusted attorney to ensure your assets stay protected from fraud.

❤️ Real Love Protects, It Doesn’t Take

Romance scams don’t just hurt financially—they destroy trust, families, and legacies. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek legal guidance.

At Wagner Oehler we help individuals protect their assets, estates, and financial well-being from scams and fraud. If you’re concerned about an online relationship—whether it’s yours or a loved one’s—let’s talk.

📞Schedule a consultation today: Contact Us

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