Love scams Restore victims' confidence in relationships

Love scams have become more sophisticated as scammers invest more time and effort to paint a sob story while manipulating victims to depend on them for emotional intimacy.

- Daniel Lopez

Falling for a love scam isn't about being gullible or "stupid" or ignorant. It's about how isolation, loneliness and the need for connection can be exploited by others.

These scams target something profoundly human - the longing to feel seen, valued and loved.

Social workers like myself need to be aware of the more isolated members of our communities.

Loneliness, due to a lack of family support, strained relationships or just a tough phase in life, is a vulnerability that often goes unnoticed.