Targeted by a Romance ScamIt Is Not Your Fault
Romance scams generated $734 million in FBI-reported losses. These are sophisticated social engineering operations, not a reflection of your judgment. Over 64,000 complaints were filed in 2023. Professional help exists.
First 5 Steps After a Romance Scam
Organized fraud rings harvest personal data for identity theft and secondary scams.
Cut all contact and block the scammer on every platform
Save all messages, photos, profiles, and transaction records
Report to FBI IC3, FTC, and the dating platform
Contact your bank about wire recalls and credit card disputes
Check for identity theft: run credit reports and monitor all accounts
Recovery Services
Identity Theft Assessment
Dark web scans, credit monitoring setup, and guidance on freezes and fraud alerts with all three bureaus.
Evidence Packaging
Structured, timeline-based evidence packages meeting FBI IC3, local police, and financial institution standards.
OSINT Investigation
Reverse image searches and open-source intelligence tracing the scammer's digital footprint across platforms and known scam networks.
Device Security Audit
Full security audit to detect malware, spyware, keyloggers, and unauthorized remote access from links or apps the scammer sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am being romance scammed?
Strong feelings within days, refuses video calls, claims overseas deployment, and eventually asks for money or crypto. If someone you have never met asks for financial help, that is the clearest indicator.
Can money sent to a scammer be recovered?
Wire transfers may be reversible within 24-72 hours. Credit card charges can be disputed. Crypto and gift cards are rarely recoverable. Filing IC3 and FTC reports creates a paper trail.
Are romance scams connected to other fraud?
Frequently. Romance scams are often entry points for pig butchering schemes. Scammers may use collected personal data for identity theft or tax fraud.
What does PTG do for romance scam victims?
Identity theft screening, evidence packaging, OSINT investigation, device security audit, dark web monitoring. Every engagement is confidential. Call 919-348-4912.
Related Resources
You Deserve Support, Not Judgment
The shame belongs to the criminals. Petronella Technology Group provides confidential, expert guidance to help you recover your security.