Grief / Widow-Targeted Romance
Scammers target recently widowed or grieving people with intense online affection, then exploit their loneliness for money.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Scammers seek out people who are grieving — often widows and widowers — through dating sites, social media, or support groups, offering deep companionship at a vulnerable time. Once trust and affection form, the money requests begin, wrapped in promises of a future together. The isolation and emotional need make these especially harmful. The relationship is manufactured to convert grief into payments.
What it usually looks like
- Fast, intense affection aimed at someone recently bereaved.
- A partner who mirrors your loss and 'understands' you.
- A future together dangled to justify money requests.
- Reasons they cannot meet or video chat.
Common warning signs
- Rapid intimacy that targets your grief.
- Money requests after emotional bonding.
- No in-person meeting or live video.
- Untraceable payment methods.
Example wording scammers use
“I lost someone too — we understand each other. I just need help with one thing so we can finally be together.”
“You're my second chance at love; please help me through this hard time.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- To exploit loneliness and grief for money.
- Emotional dependence and secrecy.
- Repeat payments.
What to do
- Be cautious with fast online romances during a vulnerable time.
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
- Reverse-image-search photos and involve family or friends.
- Lean on trusted people, not online strangers, for support.
What to do if you already responded
- Stop payments and confide in someone you trust.
- Contact your providers about recent transfers.
- Report to ic3.gov and reportfraud.ftc.gov.