Romance Scam Prevention in Fandom Communities
- Jo Keirns
- 6 days ago
- 15 min read
Empowering Fan Groups to Protect Each Other Online
Introduction
In today’s digital world, fandom communities have become vibrant spaces for connection, creativity, and shared passion. Whether you’re a fan of a TV show, book series, video game, or celebrity, these online groups offer a sense of belonging and friendship. However, with this increased connectivity comes new risks—especially the rise of romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals on social media platforms. As a psychologist specializing in digital safety and emotional wellbeing, I want to guide fandom communities in understanding these threats and adopting collective strategies to protect each other. This post will explore the alarming growth of romance scams, their devastating financial and emotional impacts, and the powerful role fan groups can play in prevention and support.
The Rise of Romance Scams
Romance scams are deceptive schemes where criminals impersonate potential romantic partners to manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information. These scams have surged in recent years, particularly as scammers exploit social media and online communities—including fandom groups—to identify vulnerable individuals. Fandom communities are especially attractive to scammers because they consist of passionate, trusting members seeking connection or friendship. By pretending to share the same fandom interests, scammers build trust and blend in, making it difficult for victims to detect the deceit.
The financial impact of romance scams is part of a much broader and devastating global problem. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), scams resulted in an estimated over $1 trillion in global losses in the 12 months leading up to November 2024. Earlier reports, such as a 2024 Feedzai/GASA study, estimated global losses from fraud and scams at $159 billion, while a 2018 CSIS report put the annual cost of cybercrime to the global economy at over $400 billion. The impact on businesses alone is staggering, with TransUnion reporting $534 billion in global losses due to fraud over the past year.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. A separate TransUnion survey found that U.S. businesses lost an estimated $114 billion, a 46% increase over the previous year. Experian reported a total financial loss of $12.7 billion in the U.S. from fraud and identity theft in 2024, while online investment scams alone accounted for over $16.6 billion in losses, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Specifically for romance scams, the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report notes that they accounted for over $1.3 billion in reported losses in the United States last year, with global losses estimated at $4.8 billion. However, these figures likely underestimate the true scope of the problem. Many victims do not report their experiences due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Studies suggest that as much as up to 90% of scam incidents go unreported, meaning the actual financial and emotional toll is far greater than official statistics reveal.
Looking forward, experts and industry projections anticipate that romance scams and overall online fraud will continue to escalate in 2025. Analysts forecast at least a 20% increase in romance scam-related financial losses in the United States alone, driven by increasingly sophisticated tactics and the expansion of criminal networks into new online communities. Globally, total losses from scams and fraud are projected to rise by approximately 18% in 2025, with fandom communities expected to remain high-risk targets due to their close-knit nature and shared interests.
The prevalence of scams in fan groups continues to grow, underscoring the urgency for community-wide awareness and vigilance. Fandom communities remain attractive targets for scammers who exploit bonds of trust and shared interests. Staying informed and supporting one another is key to prevention, as many victims—especially of romance scams—may suffer alone, reluctant to share their stories due to stigma and fear.
Romance scams are deceptive schemes in which fraudsters pose as potential romantic partners to persuade victims into sending money or revealing sensitive personal information. These scams have surged in recent years, with perpetrators increasingly leveraging social media and online communities—including fandom groups—to identify individuals seeking connection. Fandom communities, filled with passionate and trusting members, are particularly attractive to scammers who skillfully mimic shared interests to earn trust and blend seamlessly into the group, making it difficult for victims to recognize the deceit.
The financial toll of romance scams is staggering and continues to escalate. In 2024 alone, nearly 59,000 Americans reported falling victim to romance scams, with combined losses reaching an estimated $697.3 million. Other estimates paint a comparable picture: the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recorded over $600 million in losses attributed to romance scams that year, ranking it as the sixth costliest category of internet crime in the United States. Data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the first nine months of 2024 highlighted 42,399 victims reporting a collective $823 million in losses. These scams are particularly devastating due to their high median loss per person, underscoring the significant emotional and financial harm they inflict.
It’s important to recognize that these official figures likely represent only a fraction of the true impact. Many victims of romance scams—driven by feelings of shame, embarrassment, or skepticism about law enforcement’s ability to help—never come forward. Research suggests as much as 90% of scam incidents go unreported, meaning the actual losses and emotional consequences are far greater than statistics reveal.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate that romance scams and overall online fraud will continue to rise in 2025, with projections indicating at least a 20% increase in romance scam-related losses in the United States. Globally, total losses from scams and fraud are expected to climb by approximately 18%, and fandom communities remain high-risk targets due to their close-knit nature and shared passions. This growing prevalence underscores the urgent need for community-wide awareness, vigilance, and mutual support. Staying informed and supporting each other is vital, as many victims may suffer in silence due to stigma and fear.
Scam Social Media Pages: Prevalence and Reporting
Scam social media pages—accounts and profiles created specifically to defraud users—are proliferating at an alarming rate. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), an estimated 25,000 new scam pages are created daily across major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This amounts to roughly 750,000 new scam pages each month and over 9 million annually worldwide. These pages are frequently used to facilitate romance scams, phishing schemes, and other fraudulent activities.
While the exact global number of reported scam pages is difficult to pinpoint, statistics from major U.S. and international organizations reveal that millions of phishing and scam attacks are reported or detected each year—and the numbers are steadily rising. Key figures related to scam pages and phishing reports include:
Overall Phishing Attacks: Nearly 5 million phishing attacks were observed in 2023, marking it as the worst year on record.
Unique Phishing Sites: The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) identified over 1 million unique phishing sites in just the first quarter of 2025, illustrating the massive volume of new scam pages being created.
FTC Fraud Reports (U.S.): The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received approximately 2.6 million fraud reports in 2024 (across all contact methods, including web pages and online platforms), with reported losses exceeding $12.7 billion.
FBI Internet Crime Report (U.S.): The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 859,000 complaints of suspected internet crime in 2024, with phishing and spoofing being the most frequently reported cybercrimes.
Global Email Volume: It's estimated that 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent every day worldwide, many of which direct users to scam pages. Google alone blocks around 100 million phishing emails daily, reflecting the vast scale of the problem.
Despite the enormous volume, reporting rates for scam social media pages remain low. GASA and a 2024 Feedzai/GASA study indicate that only about 10% of scam pages are actually reported to platform authorities or regulatory bodies. Of the millions created each year, fewer than 1 million are formally reported and investigated. Many users either fail to recognize the scam or are reluctant to report it due to uncertainty or fear of retaliation. This gap between actual scam page creation and reporting highlights the need for greater awareness and more user-friendly reporting mechanisms.
These statistics are often compiled from annual reports and studies by organizations such as GASA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and platform transparency reports from Facebook and Instagram. For instance, Meta’s 2024 Transparency Report states that the company removed approximately 2.7 million policy-violating pages in the first half of the year, with a significant portion related to scams and fraud. However, experts agree that the true number of scam pages is much higher due to underreporting and the rapid creation of new fraudulent accounts.
Understanding these numbers is crucial for fandom communities, as they underscore the pervasive nature of online scams and the importance of collective vigilance. By staying informed and actively reporting suspicious pages—including using reporting tools on platforms like Google, which blocks millions of phishing attempts daily—fan groups can help reduce the reach and impact of scammers in their communities.
Devastating Impact: Financial and Emotional Consequences
The financial losses from romance scams can be life-altering, with victims losing their savings, homes, and even retirement funds. Alarmingly, these losses are on the rise: according to recent trends, the total amount lost to romance scams increased by nearly 20% from 2022 to 2023, and experts anticipate a similar or even greater percentage increase for 2025 as scammers become more sophisticated and target a broader range of victims. If these patterns continue, total reported losses in 2025 could exceed previous records, potentially surpassing billions of dollars globally.
However, the emotional toll can be even more severe than the financial impact. Many victims describe overwhelming feelings of betrayal, humiliation, and isolation. Data from the FBI indicates that romance scam victims experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to victims of other cybercrimes—a trend that has been intensifying. For example, in 2023, nearly 12% of romance scam victims in a UK study reported suicide attempts following the scam, and tragically, 3% died by suicide. With the expected increase in scam incidents and more people falling victim due to the proliferation of scam pages (which are projected to rise by an estimated 10–15% in 2025), mental health professionals and support organizations are bracing for a corresponding rise in emotional distress and suicide risk among affected individuals.
To better understand the scale and human impact of these crimes, it’s important to consider recent findings from the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). From August 2024 to July 2025, the ITRC assisted 4,122 individuals who reached out for help with identity theft, fraud, and scams, as well as those seeking information on identity protection. In August 2025, the ITRC conducted a survey by emailing a representative sample of these individuals, and four percent responded through an online questionnaire. The results revealed a deeply concerning trend: when victims were asked directly if their experience had led them to consider self-harm, an overwhelming 67.8% said yes. This heartbreaking statistic highlights the profound psychological distress caused by online scams—not just the financial losses, but the emotional and mental health consequences that can devastate lives and communities.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for robust community support and suicide prevention measures. Unfortunately, shame and stigma often prevent victims from seeking help, which only compounds their distress and increases their risk of self-harm. As a psychologist, I have seen firsthand how emotional manipulation can devastate a person’s sense of self-worth. Scammers employ tactics such as love bombing, gaslighting, and exploiting victims’ insecurities, often fabricating stories of hardship or emergencies to elicit sympathy and financial aid. With the forecasted rise in scam activity for 2025, these manipulative strategies are likely to become even more prevalent and damaging. Once the scam is revealed, victims may struggle to trust others and withdraw from online communities they once loved, underscoring the growing need for proactive intervention and supportive environments.
How Scammers Operate: Emotional Manipulation and Organized Crime
Romance scammers are not just lone individuals—they often work as part of sophisticated criminal syndicates. These groups operate much like traditional gangs, with distinct roles and hierarchies. Some members specialize in creating fake profiles, while others handle communications, and others launder the stolen money.
The methods used are chillingly systematic. Scammers research their targets, tailoring their approaches to individual vulnerabilities. They may spend weeks or months building trust before making their move. Emotional manipulation is their primary weapon, and they employ advanced psychological tactics to keep victims engaged. By the time the scam is discovered, the emotional and financial damage is done.
These criminal networks are highly adaptive, constantly evolving their strategies to bypass new security measures. They share information, scripts, and even lists of successful targets. In many ways, their operations mirror those of organized crime syndicates, making prevention and reporting even more critical.
Why Prevention Matters: Lessons from Offline Safety Programs
“Prevention is better than a cure.” This timeless wisdom applies just as much to online safety as it does to health. Offline community programs offer valuable lessons for fandom groups seeking to protect their members:
Holistic Health Principles: Emphasizing overall wellbeing, resilience, and self-awareness. In fandoms, this means fostering environments where members feel safe, supported, and empowered to speak up about concerns.
Neighborhood Watch: Communities working together to spot and report suspicious activity. Online, this translates to collective vigilance—sharing warnings, reporting scams, and looking out for each other.
Stranger Danger: Teaching children to be cautious of unknown individuals. For adults in fandoms, it’s about verifying new contacts, questioning unusual requests, and maintaining healthy skepticism.
The G.R.E.A.T. Program (Gang Resistance Education And Training), implemented in Wisconsin schools, is designed to educate youth on the dangers of gang involvement and empower them to make safe, informed choices. Traditional gangs and modern scammer groups share striking similarities in their structure and operational methods. Both rely on organized hierarchies, coordinated roles, and the exploitation of individual vulnerabilities to achieve their goals. Where gangs might seek loyalty and participation in illegal activities, scammer groups manipulate trust and emotions to perpetrate online fraud.
Understanding scammer groups as a digital evolution of traditional gangs allows fandom communities to adapt proven prevention strategies. The G.R.E.A.T. Program’s educational framework focuses on building resilience, critical thinking, and community responsibility—principles that translate effectively to online safety. For example, just as the program teaches youth to recognize recruitment tactics and resist peer pressure, fandom admins can educate members about the systematic methods scammers use, such as coordinated emotional manipulation, information sharing, and targeting those who appear isolated or vulnerable.
By integrating lessons from the G.R.E.A.T. Program, fandoms can develop workshops or resources that:
Raise awareness about the parallels between gang recruitment and scammer grooming tactics, helping fans spot early warning signs.
Empower members to set personal boundaries and practice skepticism toward suspicious requests or overly friendly strangers.
Foster a sense of collective responsibility, encouraging fans to support each other, report suspicious behavior, and share scam alerts.
Promote digital self-defense skills, such as verifying identities and maintaining privacy online.
Ultimately, adopting the G.R.E.A.T. Program’s approach in fandom communities equips members to resist manipulation, make informed decisions, and contribute to a safer, more supportive environment—mirroring the program’s success in deterring traditional gang involvement, but tailored for the digital age.
Drawing parallels between these offline strategies and online community safety helps fandoms develop robust prevention frameworks that address both emotional and practical aspects of scam risk.
The Power of Fandom Communities
Fandom communities are uniquely positioned to protect their members. The very qualities that make fan groups special—trust, camaraderie, and shared enthusiasm—can be harnessed for collective safety. When fans look out for each other, share information, and support those affected by scams, they build resilience and reduce vulnerability.
Community support is especially vital when dealing with the emotional aftermath of a scam. Victims often feel isolated, but knowing they are not alone can be a lifeline. Fandoms can create safe spaces for open conversation, offer peer support, and connect members with professional resources when needed.
By promoting a culture of vigilance and compassion, fan groups can turn the tide against romance scammers and foster environments where everyone feels secure.
Collective Strategies for Scam Prevention in Fan Communities
Preventing romance scams is a team effort. Here are detailed strategies fandom communities can implement:
1. Share Scam Alerts: Regularly post warnings about ongoing scams, suspicious profiles, and new tactics. Use group announcements, pinned posts, and newsletters to keep everyone informed.
2. Report and Block: Encourage members to report suspicious accounts to platform administrators and block them immediately. Collective reporting increases the likelihood of swift action.
3. Admin Responsibilities: Group admins should monitor for red flags, review new member requests, and investigate reports of suspicious behavior. They can also establish clear group rules about privacy and conduct.
4. Highlight Alerts: Make scam prevention a visible priority by dedicating sections of group pages to safety tips and scam alerts.
5. Respectful Communication: Foster an environment where members feel comfortable sharing concerns and experiences without fear of ridicule or blame.
6. Education Sessions: Host webinars, Q&A sessions, and workshops on scam awareness, emotional manipulation, and online safety.
7. Support Victims: Offer peer support, connect victims with professional help, and maintain confidentiality and empathy.
8. Collaborate with Other Groups: Share information and best practices with other fandoms or online communities to strengthen collective defenses.
Personal Safety Strategies: Protecting Yourself Online
While community action is vital, individual vigilance is equally important. Here are practical tips for personal scam prevention:
Recognize Suspicious Profiles: Be wary of profiles with limited information, stock photos, or inconsistent details. Scammers often use stolen images and fabricated backstories.
Verify Identities: Use video calls, cross-check social media accounts, and ask for mutual contacts to confirm someone’s identity. Scammers avoid real-time interaction and may refuse to verify themselves.
Safeguard Personal Information: Never share financial details, home addresses, or sensitive data with online contacts, especially those you haven’t met in person.
Watch for Red Flags: Beware of love bombing (excessive flattery), urgent requests for money, or stories of sudden hardship. Scammers often create crises to elicit sympathy and funds.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, take a step back and seek advice from trusted friends or admins.
Limit Public Sharing: Adjust privacy settings, avoid posting personal details publicly, and be mindful of what you share in group chats.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and new developments by following reliable sources and participating in community safety initiatives.
Building a Safer Fan Community
Creating a secure and supportive fandom environment requires collective vigilance and proactive leadership. Here’s how fan groups can foster safety and resilience:
Guidelines for Fandom Safety and Scam Prevention
Designate Moderators and Volunteers: Assign trusted moderators or volunteers to monitor scam alerts, respond to reports, and support affected members with empathy and discretion.
Develop a Clear Code of Conduct: Outline expectations for respectful behavior, privacy, and safety. Make sure all members understand the rules and consequences for violations.
Establish Reporting Procedures: Provide simple, clear instructions for reporting scams or suspicious behavior. Ensure reports are handled promptly and confidentially.
Promote Open Communication: Encourage members to share concerns, experiences, and questions. Let everyone know that their voices matter and that it’s safe to speak up.
Celebrate Community Helpers: Recognize and thank members who report scams, support others, or contribute to group safety. Acknowledgment helps build trust and resilience.
Host Educational Events: Offer webinars, Q&A sessions, and workshops on scam prevention, online safety, and emotional wellbeing. Bring in experts and provide practical tips members can use.
Provide Access to Resources: Share contact details for professional support services, scam reporting agencies, and mental health organizations. Include links to suicide prevention hotlines and counseling services for anyone affected by scammers.
Foster Resilience: Organize discussions and workshops on self-care, coping strategies, and maintaining emotional health in the face of online challenges.
Build Partnerships: Work with other fandoms, mental health organizations, and law enforcement to strengthen safety networks and share best practices.
Reporting Scammers: Steps and Resources
Reporting romance scammers is crucial for protecting yourself and others. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Gather Evidence: Save messages, screenshots, profile links, and any financial transaction records. Documentation helps authorities investigate and take action.
2. Report to Platforms: Use built-in reporting tools on social media and fandom sites to alert administrators.
3. Contact Authorities: Report scams to the following organizations:
4. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
5. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov
6. Local Law Enforcement: File a police report if you’ve suffered financial loss or threats.
7. The Living Tree Company: An organization providing support and resources for scam victims. Visit livingtreecompany.com for more information.
8. Inform Your Community: Notify group admins and members to prevent further victimization.
9. Seek Professional Support: If you’re struggling emotionally, contact mental health professionals or suicide prevention hotlines.
Removing Stigma: Supporting Victims and Promoting Open Conversations
Victims of romance scams often feel deep shame, fearing judgment from others. This stigma can prevent them from seeking help and prolong their suffering. As a community, it’s essential to challenge harmful stereotypes and create an environment where victims feel safe to share their experiences.
Supportive responses include listening without judgment, offering empathy, and connecting victims with resources. Open conversations about romance scams help break the cycle of shame and empower others to come forward. Remember, anyone can become a victim—scammers are skilled manipulators who exploit universal human needs for connection and love.
Encourage group members to speak openly about their experiences and celebrate those who share their stories. By normalizing these discussions, fandoms can remove stigma and foster healing.
Conclusion: Taking Action Together
Romance scams pose a serious threat to fandom communities, causing profound financial and emotional harm. However, by learning from offline safety programs, embracing collective vigilance, and supporting each other, fan groups can minimize risks and promote resilience. Prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Share alerts, report suspicious activity, support victims, and foster open conversations. Together, fandom communities can build safe and welcoming spaces where everyone feels protected.
Let’s take action today—educate yourself, support others, and help make your fandom a beacon of safety and solidarity.
References
· FBI Internet Crime Report 2024. fbi.gov
· UK Romance Scam Study 2023. [Available via UK government and mental health organizations]
· Federal Trade Commission: Romance Scams. consumer.ftc.gov
· Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). ic3.gov
· The Living Tree Company. livingtreecompany.com
· Wisconsin G.R.E.A.T. Program. [Wisconsin Department of Justice]
· Holistic Health Principles. [American Psychological Association]
· Neighborhood Watch. [National Crime Prevention Council]
· Stranger Danger Programs. [National Center for Missing & Exploited Children]
· Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA). gasa.org
· Feedzai/GASA Global Scam Report 2024. [Available via Feedzai and Global Anti-Scam Alliance]
· TransUnion Global Fraud Trends Report 2024. [Available via TransUnion]
· Experian Fraud Statistics 2024. [Available via Experian]
· U.S. Department of the Treasury: Investment Scam Data. [Available via U.S. Treasury]
· CSIS Cybercrime Cost Report 2018. [Center for Strategic and International Studies]
· Meta Transparency Report 2024. [Available via Meta/Facebook]
· Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) Phishing Activity Trends Report 2025. [Available via APWG]
· Google Transparency Report: Phishing and Email Security. [Available via Google]
· American Psychological Association: Emotional Wellbeing Resources. apa.org
· National Crime Prevention Council: Neighborhood Watch Resources. ncpc.org
· National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Stranger Danger. missingkids.org
· Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Support Services. [U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988lifeline.org]
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