Swiped, Scammed, and Ghosted: The Costly Truth About Romance Cons and Online Imposters

Recently, while clicking through Hulu to find something to watch, I came upon a show titled: "Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam": https://www.hulu.com/series/f723d592-657b-4b9a-b2c7-763186df033c

This made me think, "Wow, I know this happens." However, it's a topic that comes up so much that I thought it would be good to give the Divorcee Dish crowd some information. It is becoming familiar to the people who fall and those who may have their identity stolen. From dating apps and LinkedIn to WhatsApp and random Instagram DMs, the modern scammer knows how to play the game—and unfortunately, many of us are playing it without knowing the rules.

If you’ve ever been sweet-talked, love-bombed, or emotionally manipulated into opening your heart and your wallet, you’re not alone. Welcome to the darker side of digital dating and networking—where fake profiles, smooth talkers, and crypto “experts” are out to make your broken heart their payday.

The Scam Setup: A Perfect Profile & Too-Good-to-Be-True Vibes:

Whether the handsome man in uniform on Bumble, the successful investor on LinkedIn, or the charming stranger who finds your "energy" captivating on WhatsApp, they all start the same way: a fast emotional connection. Compliments come fast, good mornings turn into good nights, and suddenly you’re in a relationship… with someone you’ve never met.

The Red Flags You Ignored (Because You Wanted to Believe):

Let’s be honest: we’re hopeful creatures. After a divorce or heartbreak, we want to believe in new beginnings. But scammers know this, and they use it against us. Some red flags to look out for:

• They “travel for work” and can’t video chat.

• They’re always out of the country.

• They claim you’re their soulmate within days.

• They talk about needing help with “temporary financial setbacks.”

• They introduce investment opportunities (usually crypto or forex).

• They guilt-trip you if you hesitate to help.

Sound familiar? Yeah, same.

The Ask: Money, Crypto, Gift Cards, or "Just a Loan":

At first, it seems small: $50 for a phone bill, $200 to help with a delayed flight, maybe a crypto "investment" that will "change your life." But it grows. And if you’ve already fallen for their story? It’s easy to justify helping someone you think you love. Before you know it, you’re out hundreds—or thousands—and they’ve vanished.

LinkedIn & WhatsApp Scams: The New Frontier:

Think it’s just Tinder? Think again. Scammers are getting creative. On LinkedIn, it might start as a “networking opportunity” with someone who wants to help grow your business or teach you to invest. On WhatsApp, it might be a “wrong number” that turns into flirting, then a relationship. The methods change, but the goal is always the same: get your trust and your money.

The Aftermath: Shame, Anger, and a Whole Lot of Lessons:

Once you realize it was a scam, the emotional fallout hits harder than the financial loss. There’s shame in being tricked, anger at yourself, and disbelief that someone could be so cruel. But here’s the truth: this wasn’t your fault. These scammers are trained manipulators who prey on kindness, trust, and loneliness.

What You Can Do Next

• Report the scammer on the platform immediately.

• Block and delete all contacts.

• File a complaint with the FTC or your local cybercrime unit.

• Talk about it. The more we share, the less power they have.

• Forgive yourself. You were seeking connection, not deception.

  
  

Protect Yourself Going Forward

• Never send money or share banking info with someone you haven’t met.

• Reverse image search profile photos.

• Set boundaries early and trust your gut.

• If they’re “perfect,” too smooth, or fall in love in a week? Run.

  
  

At Divorcee Dish, we believe in second chances, new beginnings, and loving smarter, not just harder. Getting scammed doesn’t make you naïve. It makes you human. And guess what? You can bounce back. Stronger. Wiser. And maybe just a little sassier.