In recent years, romance scams have surged worldwide, with victims unknowingly falling into meticulously constructed “sweet traps.” The damage is not only financial but also emotional. Yet, many victims, due to a lack of legal knowledge or feelings of shame, remain silent and miss the best window to protect their rights.
To help victims take legal and effective action, the legal team at DJK LAW GROUP has compiled a detailed and actionable guide to reporting romance scammers lawfully and reclaiming justice.
1. What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam is a type of fraud where criminals, often posing as ideal romantic partners on dating apps or social media, build false emotional connections to deceive victims into transferring money, sharing personal data, or unknowingly laundering funds.
Scammers typically pose as overseas military officers, engineers, widowed millionaires, or doctors. They use fake photos, videos, and voice messages to create a sense of authenticity. These scams often span across countries, last for months, and involve strong emotional manipulation, making them hard to detect until significant losses occur.
2. Why Legal Reporting Is Necessary
Victims who stay silent due to shame or despair often lose their only chance at recovery. Others try to “expose” scammers online, but without legal procedures, it rarely works. Legal reporting is essential because:
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It enables police to record and investigate the crime;
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It provides a foundation for asset freezing and international legal cooperation;
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It helps prevent future victims.
3. Four Legal Steps to Report a Romance Scammer
Step 1: Collect and Preserve All Evidence
Gather and safely store the following:
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Screenshots of all conversations
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Proof of payments and bank transactions
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Photos, videos, and voice notes sent by the scammer
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Call recordings (if available)
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Any identity documents provided by the scammer
These materials are crucial for filing a police report and initiating legal proceedings.
Step 2: File a Police Report
Report the fraud at your local police station or through your country’s fraud reporting platform. Clearly explain the incident and submit your evidence. Obtain a case number, which will be required to request bank account freezes or international investigations.
If the scammer is abroad, the police may also work with Interpol for international assistance.
Step 3: Report to Anti-Scam Agencies
Depending on your location, report to:
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Mainland China: National Anti-Fraud App or 96110
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Singapore: ScamShield or SPF Anti-Scam Centre
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USA: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
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Hong Kong: Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC)
These agencies can forward leads, assist with account tracing, and facilitate cooperation with law enforcement.
Step 4: Consult a Professional Legal Team
Romance scams often involve international banking and jurisdictional complexity. Early legal support is critical. A qualified attorney can:
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Help review evidence and determine legal strategies
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Draft legal notices and account freeze requests
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Communicate with banks and digital platforms
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Represent you in civil or criminal proceedings
DJK LAW GROUP specializes in cross-border scam recovery and is experienced with legal systems in the U.S., U.K., Singapore, Hong Kong, and more.
4. Common Mistakes and Legal Risks
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Exposing scammers on social media may violate privacy or defamation laws.
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Trusting online “recovery agents” or hackers often leads to secondary scams.
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Delaying action due to shame or fear reduces the chances of asset recovery.
5. How DJK LAW GROUP Supports Victims
As a legal firm focused on international fraud cases, DJK LAW GROUP（https://www.djkllp.com/） offers:
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Case evaluation and legal strategy
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Assistance with formal police reports and international submissions
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Representation in account freezing and asset recovery actions
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Filing of civil or criminal cases as appropriate
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Confidential and empathetic support throughout
We understand the emotional toll of such cases and are committed to providing professional, respectful, and efficient legal assistance to help you recover your losses and reclaim your peace of mind.
