Romance scammers are patient and willing to take their time to win over their target. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how you can help out and make a difference to reduce the impact of romance scams. 

Today’s guests are Kathy Waters and Bryan Denny. Kathy Waters is an expert advocate and an educator on the subject of online romance scams. Kathy is co-founder, along with retired Colonel Bryan Denny, of the non-profit organization Advocating Against Romance Scammers. Both have been working for safer platforms since 2016 with the same goals in mind: justice for victims and educating all online of the cybercrime known to tear people down emotionally, psychologically, and financially. They are now the organizers of World Romance Scam Prevention Day on October 3rd.

Show Notes:

• [1:10] - Kathy and Bryan share their background and why they are passionate about advocating for victims of romance scams.

• [2:47] - Bryan was a victim of a romance scam, but not in the way you might think. Someone had been using his photo and posing as him.

• [4:10] - Unfortunately, Bryan’s name and photo are still being used by scammers.

• [6:36] - When someone’s profile image is taken, it is used over and over again. Getting one taken down is not going to end it.

• [8:22] - There are organized crime groups that use Bryan’s photos, but they believe that there are independent scammers using it as well.

• [9:55] - World Romance Scam Prevention Day is October 3rd, and this is the first year it is official.

• [12:59] - One of the myths about romance scams is the belief that people don’t actually fall for these things.

• [14:47] - Another myth is that this only targets older people, but even juveniles are being targeted specifically for sextortion.

• [18:01] - Romance scammers typically start to build a relationship slowly. They move the conversation outside a lot of social media apps.

• [19:49] - People who want to believe it's real, will believe that it's real.

• [20:44] - Bryan shares some common stories that scammers use in romance scams to get money from a victim.

• [22:03] - Although some take a lot of time to ask for money, others will test the waters early and ask for small amounts or even content they use to blackmail.

• [24:19] - Kathy suggests that mental health professionals come forward to provide education and support as well.

• [26:40] - Never turn your back on a friend or family member who has fallen victim to a romance scam.

• [27:24] - Learn what you can do to help support World Romance Scam Prevention Day.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. 

Links and Resources:

• Podcast Web Page

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• AdvocatingForU.com

• World Romance Scam Prevention Day Home Page