Romance Scams

By Trilogy Financial

August 1, 2023

Share on:

A romance scam, also known as an online dating scam, is when a person gets tricked into believing they’re in a romantic relationship with someone they met online, when in fact their other half is a cybercriminal using a fake identity to gain enough trust to ask — or blackmail — them for money.

Oftentimes, a romance scammer starts on dating sites or apps. But scammers have increasingly started finding targets on social media, too.

After connecting with someone through a fake profile, the scammer will strike up a conversation and start building a relationship by regularly chatting with them. Once they start to trust the romance scammer and believe they have a truthful relationship, the cybercriminal will make up a story, ask them for money, and vanish.

Types of Romance Scams

Some of the most common internet dating scams include:

Fake Dating Sites: Scam dating sites claim to be legitimate but are actually filled with scammers or underpopulated. These websites are created to mine your information.

Photo Scams: Scammers will convince their target to send their personal information in exchange for intimate photos.

Military Romance Scams: The scammer will pose as a military member, likely deployed. They build trust by using military jargon and titles, then ask for money to cover military-related expenses, such as flights home.

Intimate Activity Scams: The scammer connects with their target on multiple social media websites. Once they become closer, the scammer convinces them to undress and then threatens them with the recordings.

Code Verification Scams: Scammers will send a fake verification code through email or text, posing to be a dating app or website. Once clicked on, it will ask for their personal information, including Social Security number and credit cards.

Inheritance Scams: Scammers will make their target believe they need to get married in order to get their inheritance. In this case, they will ask them to help pay for something like airfare.

Malware Scams: Malware is also common on dating sites. In this case, the recipient will interact with a scammer who sends them a website that looks legitimate; however, it's a page that includes malware.

Tips To Avoid Losing Money To a Romance Scam

Protect yourself and older loved ones by raising awareness. Although this can be an uncomfortable topic, make sure you, your family and your friends are familiar with romance scams. The more you know about these scams, the better prepared you are to prevent being a victim.
Check in on older loved ones. Scammers are seeking to target those living alone or grieving the loss of a spouse as they are more vulnerable.
Limit what you share online.Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Do your research.Research the individual’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name or other details have been used elsewhere.
Go slowly and ask lots of questions.Don’t let the individual rush you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
Listen to your gut.If the individual seems too good to be true, talk to someone you trust.
Don’t overshare personal information.Requests for inappropriate photos or financial information could later be used to extort you.
Be suspicious if you haven’t met in person.If the individual promises to meet in person, but consistently comes up with an excuse for cancelling, be suspicious.
Don’t send money.Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.

Think you’ve been scammed?

Stop communicating with the individual immediately.
Talk to someone you trust and describe what’s going on.
Report the incident to local law enforcement.
Submit a fraud complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Dating scams can have devastating consequences on individuals seeking love and companionship online. It's crucial to be aware of the red flags and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Even if it’s too late to recoup losses, details may help others from becoming a victim.

1. Will

A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. This legal document outlines how you want your assets distributed and names an executor to oversee the process. A will can also designate guardians for minor children, ensuring their care and well-being. Without a will, your estate may undergo a lengthy and costly probate process, and your wishes may not be honored.

2. Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is a personal document that complements your will. While it is not legally binding, it can provide clarity and guidance to your executor and loved ones about your wishes. This letter can include details about asset distribution, heirlooms, and even funeral arrangements. Updating your letter of intent regularly ensures that it reflects your current wishes.

3. Power of Attorney

A power of attorney document allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This person, often a family member or close friend, can manage your assets, pay bills, and make important decisions on your behalf. Understanding your state’s specific regulations can help you make informed decisions about this designation.

4. Health Care Directives

Health care directives are essential for addressing your medical needs in emergencies. Key documents include:

Living Will: Specifies your medical care preferences if you become incapacitated.
Durable Medical Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
HIPAA Release Clause: Allows medical professionals to share your health information with your designated proxy.

5. Estate Planning for Second and Third Marriages

Subsequent marriages add complexity to estate planning. Consider the following:

Prenuptial Agreements: Protect assets and provide clarity on ownership.
Updated Legal Documents: Ensure your estate plan reflects your new family structure.
Beneficiary Considerations: Update beneficiaries to include your new spouse, if desired.

6. Guardianship Designations

If you have minor children, naming guardians in your estate plan is vital. This ensures that someone you trust will care for your children if you are unable to do so. Consider naming a backup guardian as an additional safeguard.

7. Trusts

Trusts offer a flexible and private way to manage and distribute your assets. Benefits of trusts include:

Avoiding probate
Maintaining privacy
Providing effective asset management
Offering control over beneficiary distributions

8. Multi-Generational Wealth Planning

Multi-generational wealth planning is essential for ensuring that your financial legacy benefits future generations. This involves creating strategies that protect and grow your assets while considering the needs of your children and grandchildren.

9. Trust Fund Manager

A trust fund manager plays a critical role in managing and distributing your assets according to your wishes. This professional ensures that the trust operates smoothly and that beneficiaries receive their designated assets without delays or legal complications.

10. Advanced Estate Planning Strategies

Advanced estate planning strategies are designed to address the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. These strategies may include setting up complex trusts, charitable giving, and tax optimization techniques to preserve and grow your wealth.

11. Philanthropic Financial Planning

Philanthropic financial planning allows you to support causes you care about while benefiting from potential tax advantages. Discovering philanthropic financial planning opportunities can help you make a positive impact while strategically managing your estate.

The Takeaway –

Creating a comprehensive estate plan involves careful consideration of various legal documents and strategies. At Trilogy Financial, we specialize in estate planning for high net worth families and individuals, providing tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

Our team of estate planning lawyers for high net worth families and high net worth estate planning attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us. We are here to help.

Ready to Amplify Your Wealth today?

If you're ready to elevate your financial planning with our professional team, we invite you to schedule a meeting with us. At Trilogy Financial Services, our advisors in Corona are dedicated to crafting personalized financial strategies that align with your unique goals. Don't wait to start your journey towards financial success:

Schedule a Meeting: Reach out to us to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our financial professionals.
Give Us a Call: Prefer a quick conversation? Feel free to give us a call to discuss your financial needs and how we can assist. Call Us To Get Started. (844) 356-4934

Schedule a No-Strings-Attached Portfolio Review today and embark on a path to financial success guided by professional advisors. For more information and to schedule your consultation, visit www.trilogyfs.com/yourmoneyamplified. With the right knowledge and professional guidance, the journey of investing becomes an exciting venture towards achieving financial security and growth. This way, you're not just dreaming of an ideal retirement but actively working towards making it a reality.

Investments Advice

Things Every Investor Should Know Before Investing

Jeff Motske, CFP®

March 22, 2018

Due to the nature of my profession, I am solicited for financial advice in all aspects of my life from all types of people. Similar to a doctor who gets asked about symptoms at birthday parties, people often ask for my opinion or input on financial matters, particularly investing. As most doctors will tell you, it’s hard to give advice when you don’t know the particulars.

However, if someone is really eager or serious for guidance on investing, I will suggest that they do their homework. The information they’re looking for isn’t found on the stock exchange or the Finance section of a newspaper. Most times, the information you need to start with is found a lot closer than you would expect.

The first thing to take into account are your financial goals. As I’ve mentioned before, being aware of your financial “why” can highlight good habits, change inefficient patterns, refocus priorities and ultimately develop a plan to help you achieve your financial freedom. Therefore, you need to be specific. Do you want to retire in 30 years? Perhaps you want to buy a house in five years or start a business in two. In these scenarios, your goals act as targets, and with the help of a good financial planner, you can develop an action plan with measurable steps to incrementally achieve them.

Another thing to be aware of is your risk tolerance. This isn’t a measure of whether you like to bungee cord jump or skydive. Rather, this is an indication of how much volatility in your investments you are comfortable with. This is something that needs to be determined for the individual as well as the household. Risk tolerance is a very personal indicator, and there are times that couples don’t see eye to eye. When new clients come in, we have them complete a risk tolerance questionnaire to not only to see how individuals may or may not be working together but to also figure out the most effective plan to achieve their goals. The last thing we want you to do is tackle investments that won’t achieve your goals in a timely.

As you can tell, these items are all very personal. What you’re saving for, how long and hard you’re willing to work towards your goals, and what your income and lifestyle needs are, both current and future, will all be factors in planning how to invest. I bring this up because so many clients come in referring to the advice their friends, neighbors or coworker gave them. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m all for educating one’s self. Let’s discuss your options. But please don’t think that investing in what your child’s Little League coach is investing in is automatically the best option for you.

Let me put it another way. I’ve been athletic all of my life, playing high school and college baseball and an avid golfer. Knowing that, I’m not going to start a new exercise regime with a leisurely walk around the block or bench pressing 400 pounds. It’s not that I don’t believe these fitness goals are valid – they’re just not valid for me. The same idea can be applied to your finances. If any of the factors I’ve mentioned are not aligned, you may discover that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and that you need to be wary of the barb wire in between.

I know it sounds odd, that investing should be more complicated. But the truth is knowing your financial self is much important than knowing the stock market when you first start investing.