Fri Apr 18 13:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Online Romance Scams Explode: Experts Warn of Growing Threat
**[City, State] –** The rise of online dating has created a breeding ground for romance scammers, experts warn. A recent discussion highlighted the devastating consequences of these sophisticated schemes, which use emotional manipulation and technology to defraud victims of significant sums of money.
The panel, featuring Cecilie Fjellhoy, co-founder of Lovesaid (an organization focused on combating online scams), scam prevention technology expert Rohan Mer, and Helmi Korhonen of the Romance Scam Recovery Project, underscored the increasing prevalence and sophistication of these scams. Dating apps, social media, and online dating websites, while offering opportunities for connection, are also prime hunting grounds for perpetrators.
Scammers employ a variety of tactics, from carefully crafted online personas to emotional blackmail, to manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The emotional toll, in addition to the financial losses, can be significant and long-lasting.
The experts stressed the importance of vigilance and awareness when engaging in online dating. They urged users to be cautious of individuals who quickly profess strong feelings, request money, or pressure them into making hasty decisions. Further details on identifying and avoiding online romance scams were not provided in this summary. [Optionally add a call to action here, e.g., “For more information on protecting yourself from online romance scams, visit [website address].”]
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