Love knows no age. However, the longing for closeness and companionship is increasingly exploited by criminals. The term Romance Scam or Love Scam refers to a fraudulent scheme in which perpetrators feign love online to build trust – and ultimately extort money.
People over 50 are particularly affected. Many have reached a new stage in life, whether after a divorce, the loss of a partner, or because their children are long grown up. Their openness to new encounters is great, yet their experience with the downsides of online dating is often limited. Precisely this combination makes this age group so appealing to fraudsters.
A Deeply Affecting Case
The Swiss news platform SRF reported in early 2025 about a 57-year-old woman from the canton of Bern. It all started innocently: A man contacted her via Facebook, charming, polite, and interested. Soon they switched to WhatsApp, then later to email. There she received a long love letter. It was as if she had finally found someone who understood her.
But the story took a turn. The man explained he was a soldier in Yemen. It was dangerous there, and he urgently needed to be extracted. He asked if she could help. First small amounts, then increasingly larger sums. Finally, the woman even took out a loan. In the end, she had transferred 11,000 Swiss francs – to a man she had never met and who had no other intention than to exploit her.
➡️ Source: SRF – Romance Scam: Against fraudulent online suitors
A Growing Problem
Such stories are not isolated incidents. According to the Swiss police, several hundred reports are filed each year. In the canton of Aargau, losses in one year amounted to over
Internationally, the extent is also alarming: The FBI estimates that in the USA alone, over 1.3 billion US dollars were lost to romance scams in 2024. In Germany, the Federal Criminal Police Office recently reported more than 8,000 cases.
The perpetrators operate professionally, often organized in gangs. Some come from West Africa and act individually. Others, increasingly from Southeast Asia, operate on behalf of the Chinese mafia. They use fake identities, stolen photos, and sophisticated psychological strategies.
Why Particularly for those over 50?
The 50+ age group is particularly interesting for fraudsters. Firstly, because many are looking for serious relationships. They often have clear ideas and desire stability. Secondly, because they are less suspicious in the digital environment. While younger individuals are often more familiar with the tricks of online fraudsters, many older individuals approach virtual contacts with more trust.
Additionally, there is an emotional component: Those who may be single again after a long marriage yearn for closeness. Compliments, attention, and affectionate messages then act like balm for the soul. Fraudsters know this – and exploit it unscrupulously.
How Scammers Operate
The pattern is always similar: It begins with a random contact – via Facebook, dating portals, or messengers. This is followed by a phase of intense communication. Daily messages, photos, and declarations of love are exchanged. The perpetrators build an artificial intimacy. Victims feel understood, desired, and needed.
Only later does the turning point come. Suddenly, problems arise: an accident, a hospital stay, a blocked bank card, a dangerous assignment abroad. It is always about money. And pressure is always built: “If you love me, you will help me.” Many victims sense that something is wrong, but they do not want to destroy the illusion of love.
The result is fatal: high financial losses, psychological strain, and a deep distrust of future relationships.
Prevention – What Victims Need to Know
The Swiss Crime Prevention has therefore launched its own information campaign. The message is clear: Love costs nothing. Anyone who asks for money online is not serious.
➡️ SKPPS – Info Campaign Romance Scam
Prevention means recognizing warning signs early: hasty declarations of love, avoidance of video calls, constant new excuses, and above all, the first request for money. Those who recognize these signs can protect themselves. However, many only learn about them when it is too late.
Why We Developed DuoLivo
This is precisely where DuoLivo comes in. We have seen how many people over 50 become victims of fraud. We have read the reports, watched the interviews, and spoken with those affected. Again and again, the same picture emerges: genuine people with honest intentions are harmed by fraudsters – emotionally and financially.
That was the trigger for us: DuoLivo is our answer to romance scams. We want singles over 50 to have a platform where they are safe. A platform that does not ignore scams but actively combats them.
Our Protection Concept against Scams
DuoLivo deliberately distinguishes itself from traditional dating portals. We rely on security through technology and humanity.
Our systems check profiles already during registration. Suspicious patterns are detected by algorithms and automatically blocked. But we go a step further: We actively warn our members if we suspect they are being contacted by a fraudster.
This means: If our systems detect that a conversation appears suspicious – for example, due to certain keywords or unusual behavior – the member receives a notification. We explain why caution is advised and provide tips on how to react.
This ensures: Anyone seeking a partner on DuoLivo is not left alone in the fight against fraudsters. We not only provide technical protection, but also personal support.
A Counter-Model to Fake Portals
In addition to romance scams, there is another problem: fake dating sites with subscription traps. Media in Switzerland have also reported extensively on this. Companies lure users with free trial offers and then lead them into expensive subscriptions from which it is difficult to escape. Additionally, there are fake profiles that artificially simulate activity.
We did not want to accept this either. Therefore, DuoLivo is structured completely differently: no subscription traps, no enticing offers, no hidden costs. We focus on fairness and transparency. Anyone who registers with us knows exactly what they are getting into – and can cancel at any time.
Regaining Trust
We know that many who have fallen victim to romance scams completely lose trust in online dating. Some vow never to use an app or platform again. But that would be a shame, because love in the prime of life is possible, and digital platforms can be a valuable aid – if they are operated reputably. DuoLivo aims to restore this trust. Our mission is clear: We create a safe space for singles over 50 where genuine connections can be made.
Conclusion
Romance scams are a growing problem. Hundreds of cases every year in Switzerland, millions in losses, and deep emotional wounds for those affected. Perpetrator groups from all over the world shamelessly exploit loneliness and longing.
However, there is hope. Prevention campaigns educate, and media reports raise awareness. And with DuoLivo, a platform is emerging that takes a new approach: secure, fair, transparent.
We developed DuoLivo because we no longer wanted to stand by and watch people over 50 being defrauded. We implement technical protection mechanisms, actively warn against attempted fraud, and guarantee transparency without subscription traps.
Because we believe: Love in the prime of life deserves honesty.
Two hearts. One path. DuoLivo.
Learn more about safe online dating with DuoLivo.
