It's a dark & stormy night, All Hallows Eve is here. You step from the doorway you've been covering in, a dark figure looms over you. Pale, bony fingers poke at you in the cold night air, a wisp of putrid air escapes their mouth and finds your nostrils. You try not to breathe in the rank air, but it's unavoidable. The hot, sickening odor overcomes you as they whisper in your face:
7 Days 7 Signs, Day 3, Don't go abroad:
"Stuck abroad" emergency money requests are a common tactic used in romance scams. Here's a more detailed look at this type of fraud:
Basic premise:
The scammer claims to be traveling or working abroad & suddenly encounters an emergency situation requiring immediate financial assistance. Ruh-oh.
Common scenarios:
• Arrested & needs bail money
• Passport stolen or lost, needs funds for replacement and travel
• Injured or ill, requiring money for medical treatment
• Robbed or mugged, needing money to get home
Psychological tactics:
• Creates a sense of urgency to pressure quick decision-making
• Plays on the victim's emotions & desire to help a loved one
• Often occurs after building trust over weeks or months
• May use guilt or emotional blackmail if the victim hesitates
Money transfer methods:
• Wire transfers (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram)
• Cryptocurrency
• Gift cards (scammer claims they can be easily cashed out abroad)
• Bank transfers to unfamiliar accounts
Escalation:
• Initial request often leads to more "complications" requiring additional funds
• Scammer may promise to repay once they return, keeping the victim invested
Red flags:
• Reluctance to involve family, friends, or official channels for help
• Inconsistencies in the story or lack of verifiable details
• Pressure to keep the situation secret
• Inability to communicate through official channels (e.g., embassy)
Prevention:
• Verify the person's location & situation independently
• Contact mutual friends or family if possible
• Suggest official channels for assistance (e.g., embassies, employers)
• Be wary of any requests for money, especially early in a relationship
Impact on victims:
• Financial losses, sometimes substantial
• Emotional distress & betrayal
• Potential long-term trust issues
This scam is effective because it combines the emotional connection built through the romance scam with a crisis, making the victim more likely to act quickly without thorough consideration.
Let's help prevent this from happening:
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