Romance is supposed to bring comfort, loyalty and companionship, not financial loss and betrayal. Yet for many victims of romance scams, those very emotions are weaponised against them by skilled fraudsters. In a recent high profile case in Singapore, a married couple was convicted and sentenced after they were found to have laundered more than S$1 million obtained from victims of online love scams. The wife received a prison term of six years and eight months, while her husband is continuing to assist with investigations.
This case highlights not only the emotional and financial devastation caused by romance scams, but also how some individuals knowingly participate in laundering proceeds to benefit from this deception. Understanding how these scams operate, why they work, and how to protect yourself or loved ones is critical in an age where online connections are part of everyday life.
What Is a Romance Scam and How Does It Work
A romance scam is a form of fraud where the perpetrator builds a fictitious relationship with the victim, typically through online dating platforms, social media or messaging apps. Unlike more obvious scams, romance scams are deeply rooted in trust and emotion, relying on psychological manipulation rather than just a clever email or phishing link.
The scam often begins with seemingly genuine conversation. Perpetrators invest time and effort in building rapport with victims, asking about their interests, families and life goals. Over weeks or even months, they craft a persona that appears loving, trustworthy and committed. Because these interactions feel personal and emotional, victims may lower their guard and become more receptive to suggestions including those that involve money.
Once a sense of trust has been established, the scammer introduces a fictional problem or opportunity that requires the victim’s financial support. This may take many forms, such as alleged medical emergencies, legal troubles, investment deals, business setbacks or sudden travel costs. The common thread is urgency and a plea for help, framed in such a way that the victim feels complicit in resolving the issue for someone they care about.
Once funds are transferred, they rarely if ever return to the victim. Instead, the scammers often channel money through intermediaries or “money mules” individuals or entities that help obscure the origins of the funds. In the recent case involving a married couple, the laundering of proceeds was a central element of their conviction, demonstrating how romance scams are increasingly sophisticated and not just the work of isolated individuals.
The Singapore Case: Love Scam Proceeds Laundered by Married Couple
According to The Straits Times, a Singapore court recently sentenced a married woman to six years and eight months in prison after finding that she had laundered over S$1 million obtained from victims of love scams. The court heard that her husband had also been involved in similar activities and is continuing to assist with investigations. Both were part of a network that processed the proceeds of offences where victims were tricked into transferring large sums of money under the false belief that they were helping or supporting someone romantically involved with them.
One of the striking details of this case was the level of financial movement involved. Over time, the couple received and moved significant amounts of money, often funnelled through multiple accounts or intermediaries to mask their origin. Authorities were able to trace these transactions through meticulous financial analysis and records, ultimately linking the funds back to known romance scam incidents.
Court records showed that the laundering activities were not impulsive or incidental. Instead, they were deliberate and organised, suggesting prior knowledge that the funds were obtained through deception. The severity of the sentence reflects the seriousness with which Singaporean courts view both the emotional harm to victims and the deliberate processing of ill gotten gains.
(source:https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/married-couple-laundered-over-1m-from-love-scam-victims-wife-jailed-6-years-8-months)
Why Romance Scams Continue to Thrive
Romance scams remain among the most insidious types of fraud precisely because they exploit the human desire for connection and trust. A few factors that contribute to their ongoing prevalence include:
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Accessibility of Online Platforms
Dating websites, social networks and messaging apps allow fraudsters to cast a wide net and make initial contact with thousands of potential victims. Algorithms that promote compatibility or shared interests can unintentionally assist scammers in finding their targets.
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Emotional Engagement
Unlike scams that rely purely on financial lure, romance scams engage the victim’s emotions. This makes victims more likely to overlook red flags because they feel personally invested in the relationship.
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Distance and Anonymity
Online interactions often start without face to face contact. Scammers leverage this distance to create false narratives that may not hold up under in person scrutiny.
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Use of Intermediaries
Once financial transfer requests begin, scammers frequently claim that legal or banking constraints prevent direct transactions. They may instruct victims to send money via friends, foreign accounts or third party services, further complicating recovery.
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Psychological Pressure
Scammers often introduce a sense of urgency: an impending deadline, fear of losing the relationship or fabricated emergencies that appear time sensitive. These tactics interfere with critical thinking and increase compliance.
Real Victim Experiences and Emotional Harm
It is not unusual for victims of romance scams to describe their ordeal as deeply personal and emotionally devastating. Unlike typical financial fraud, where the victim may see themselves as an unfortunate target, romance scam victims often feel a profound sense of betrayal and foolishness.
For many, the loss extends beyond money. It can lead to:
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heightened anxiety and distrust in future relationships
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reluctance to engage in online communication
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feelings of shame or embarrassment
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strained relationships with family and friends
Victims may also be reluctant to report the crime early due to feelings of personal failure or fear of judgement, further enabling scammers to operate undetected and repeat their tactics with fresh targets.
How to Detect and Avoid Becoming a Victim
While no method is foolproof, there are effective strategies that significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to romance scams:
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Be Skeptical of Fast Developing Bonds
Scammers often try to fast track emotional intimacy. Genuine relationships typically develop gradually over time. If someone seems unusually eager or intensely emotionally invasive from the start, pause and consider why.
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Verify Identities Outside the Platform
Use video calls and face to face communication when safe and appropriate to confirm that the person you are speaking to is who they claim to be. Reverse image searches on profile photos can also reveal whether they have been used elsewhere.
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Question Requests for Money or Favour Transfers
If someone you have never met in person asks for money whether for medical emergencies, travel, legal fees or investments consider this a major red flag. Legitimate partners do not instruct financial transfers early in a relationship.
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Check Contact Details Carefully
Scammers frequently use free email accounts or phone numbers that change regularly. Any reluctance to use verifiable, consistent contact methods should prompt caution.
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Consult with Trusted People
When in doubt, speak to a trusted friend or family member. Often those outside the emotional context can recognise inconsistencies or dubious elements more clearly.
What to Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed
If you suspect that a romance scam is unfolding or that you have already been victimised, it is important to act promptly:
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Stop All Further Communication
Once you have detected suspicious behaviour, cease contact with the suspected scammer immediately. Do not send more money or disclose additional personal information.
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Preserve All Evidence
Keep copies of messages, emails and any transaction records. These details will be crucial when reporting the case.
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Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
Report any unauthorised transfers or suspicious financial activity. Banks may be able to help stop further transactions or investigate unusual account movements.
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Make a Police Report
In Singapore, victims of scams can report to the Singapore Police Force via their official channels. Providing as much information as possible helps support broader investigations and may prevent others from becoming victims.
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Seek Emotional Support
Being scammed through a romance scam can be emotionally challenging. Speaking to a counsellor, close friend or support group can help you process the experience and reduce feelings of isolation and self blame.
Resources to Seek Help in Singapore
Singapore offers a number of helpful resources for scam prevention and response:
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Singapore Police Force Scam Advisories provide up to date guidance on common scam types and warning signs.
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Anti Scam Helpline offers tools and support to block scam calls and report suspicious numbers.
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Banks’ Fraud Prevention Teams can assist with investigating suspect transactions.
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Community Outreach and Education Platforms help raise awareness and promote safer online behaviour.
Regular engagement with these resources can empower you to recognise and avoid scams.
How Scam.SG Can Help
Scam.SG provides a valuable platform where individuals can check whether a business, phone number or online contact has been associated with scam reports. By searching on Scam.SG , users can review available insights and TrustScore information to help assess potential risk before engaging further. Community members can also submit scam reports through Scam.SG to help build awareness and protect others. Scam.SG publishes educational content, scam prevention articles and scam news updates to keep readers informed about emerging threats and evolving tactics used by fraudsters.
Conclusion
The case of a married couple laundering over S$1 million from romance scam victims serves as a stark reminder that scams can be personal, emotional and deeply harmful. Fraudsters will use whatever tools and tactics they can to manipulate trust and extract funds, even masquerading as partners in love. Awareness, vigilance and independent verification are your strongest defences.
By questioning unusual requests, verifying identities, and using trusted resources such as Scam.SG, you can better protect yourself and those you care about from falling prey to romance scams.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant With Scam.SG