Online dating can lead to meaningful relationships—but it can also expose you to financial scams. Sweetheart scams cost Americans hundreds of millions each year. Knowing the warning signs can help protect your heart and your finances.
Many people in Santa Ana and across Orange County are turning to online dating after divorce, loss of a spouse, or simply wanting companionship later in life. It’s convenient, it’s modern—and for many, it works.
But there’s a darker side to digital romance: the “sweetheart scam.”
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), romance scams consistently rank among the highest reported fraud categories, costing victims hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
What Is a Sweetheart Scam?
A sweetheart scam happens when someone creates a fake online identity and builds an emotional connection with the goal of stealing money.
It often starts innocently:
- They compliment you constantly.
- They say you’re special.
- They claim they’ve never met someone like you.
Then the requests begin.
They may ask for money because:
- They’re overseas in the military.
- They work on an oil rig or as a traveling doctor.
- A package they “sent you” is stuck in customs.
- They need help covering a temporary emergency.
The story always sounds believable—and urgent.
Common Warning Signs of an Online Dating Scam
If you’re dating online in Santa Ana, watch for these red flags:
1️⃣ They “Love Bomb” You
Excessive flattery and intense affection early on.
2️⃣ The Relationship Moves Too Fast
Within days, they say you’re “the one.”
3️⃣ They Can’t Meet in Person
They claim to live nearby—but are temporarily overseas.
4️⃣ They Avoid Video or Phone Calls
Camera broken. Bad signal. Always an excuse.
5️⃣ Their Language Feels Off
Unusual grammar or phrasing inconsistent with their story.
6️⃣ Their Photos Look Like Models
Stock-photo quality images or overly polished pictures.
If something feels too good to be true—it often is.
Realistic Example
Imagine a Santa Ana resident who meets someone claiming to work overseas. After weeks of messaging, the person says they shipped luxury gifts—but customs requires $700 to release the package.
It sounds small compared to the “value” of the gifts.
The money is sent. The package never arrives.
Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than people realize.
What You Should Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you believe someone may be attempting a sweetheart scam:
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Search their full name online with the word “scam.”
- Keep communication inside the dating app.
- Insist on a live video call.
- Never send money or gift cards.
- Never send intimate photos.
- Meet only in public places if you move offline.
If you suspect fraud, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center:
👉 https://www.ic3.gov/Home/FileComplaint
Why Financial Awareness Matters
Romance scams aren’t just emotional—they’re financial crimes. For many people nearing retirement, a single loss can significantly impact savings and long-term stability.
Financial literacy and risk awareness are essential parts of protecting what you’ve worked hard to build.
How Neighborhood Insurance Agency Supports Financial Protection
While insurance cannot prevent online scams, strong financial planning and risk awareness go hand in hand with protection strategies.
Established in 1989, Neighborhood Insurance Agency in Santa Ana, California, helps individuals, families, and business owners protect what matters most. From home and auto to life and business coverage, we focus on education first—because understanding risk is the key to your peace of mind.
If you have questions about protecting your financial future:
👉 Get a quote or talk to us today.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Reference
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2023). Internet crime report 2022. Internet Crime Complaint Center.
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2022_IC3Report.pdf
Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Romance scams.
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-you-need-know-about-romance-scams
