Romance scams - are where a scammer pretends to be in love with their mark, and their mark ends up sending money.

How romance scams persuade people to hand over money

1. The scammer takes on the identity of an appealing person

2. They build up a relationship - this can take 3-6 months.

3. They pretend to be victim of something: an emergency medical bill, canceled credit card, lost passport

4. They ask for money

Why it works

Criminologists believe it works, in part, because it prays on human nature: the need and desire to help others.

Humans are altruistic beings and want to help the species.