What it is
Liking is simple: we are more willing to trust and help people we find friendly, attractive, familiar, or similar to ourselves. Charm and common ground open doors.
Scammers manufacture that warmth. Flattery, shared interests, attractive profile photos, and patient, friendly chat are all used to build a bond — so that when the ask comes, it comes from a "friend".
How scammers use it
A romance scammer spends weeks being attentive and affectionate before mentioning money. A friendly "new connection" compliments you and finds things in common before pitching an investment. A warm, chatty caller builds rapport before steering you toward a payment. The relationship is the setup.
Red flags to watch for
- A new online contact who gets close and affectionate unusually fast
- Heavy flattery or "we have so much in common" early on
- Someone who always has a reason they cannot meet in person or video chat
- A warm relationship that eventually turns toward money or investments
- Charm used to wave away your questions or doubts
How to resist it
- Keep money and trust separate from how much you like someone online.
- Be cautious with anyone who avoids video calls or meeting in person.
- Run a reverse-image search on profile photos that seem too polished.
What it looks like
"I have never felt this connected to anyone. I wish I could see you, but my project overseas keeps getting delayed - and now there's a fee I can't cover to come home to you."
"You seem really sharp, and honestly you remind me of my sister. I don't share this with everyone, but there's a trading group that changed my life..."
Reading about a tactic is a start. Practice makes it stick.
ScamDrill sends safe, simulated scams so you - and the people you care about - learn to spot the real thing before it costs you.
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