Columbian Dating Scams: How Romantic Fraud Works and How to Protect Yourself
Online dating offers the opportunity to meet new people and potentially find the love of your life. Unfortunately, scammers also take advantage of these platforms to create fake profiles and exploit unsuspecting victims.
One particularly deceptive scheme is the “Colombian Dating Scam,” where fraudsters create emotional connections to extort money. In this article, you’ll learn how this scam works, how to protect yourself, and why a professional background check on online acquaintances is the key to staying safe.

How to Spot Colombian Dating Scams and Protect Yourself from Romance Fraud.
How Does the “Colombian Dating Scam” Work on Online Dating Apps? A Case Study
Imagine the following scenario:
Thomas, a man from the U.S., signs up for a dating platform and meets an attractive woman who introduces herself as “Maria” from a small town in Colombia.
They start communicating frequently. The Colombian woman sends long, affectionate messages, shares details about her life in Colombia, and shows deep interest in Thomas. Before long, an emotional bond forms.
After a few weeks, Thomas suggests a video chat to finally see each other “face to face.” Maria apologizes and explains that her camera is broken. She adds that she wants to buy a new phone but doesn’t have enough money. If Thomas could help her, she could purchase the phone—and then they could finally have video calls.
Emotionally invested, Thomas sends her the money. Shortly after, the video chats begin, and he is thrilled to finally see “Maria.” Their relationship appears to deepen.
Sometime later, Maria mentions a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”: she has the chance to buy an apartment in a great neighbourhood at an unbelievably low price. She suggests that she and Thomas invest together, becoming co-owners and generating passive income. Excited by the idea, Thomas transfers the money via Bitcoin.
Soon after, Maria tells Thomas she finally wants to visit him so they can take their relationship to the next level. But there’s a problem: travel expenses are high, and she asks for financial assistance. Once again, Thomas sends her the money, believing their future together is about to begin.
Then, the unexpected happens: Maria suddenly stops responding. Messages go unanswered, and Thomas realizes he may have been scammed.

Sooner or later, the scammer will ask for money, gift cards, or ‘help’—don’t fall for it.
How to Protect Yourself from a Romance Scam with Strong Personal Security Practices
- Be sceptical: If someone you’ve met online quickly asks for money, proceed with caution. Real relationships are built on trust—not financial transactions.
- Verify their identity: Use tools like reverse image search to check if the profile pictures appear elsewhere. However, keep in mind that experienced scammers often use stolen or hard-to-trace images.
- Get professional help: If you’re unsure whether the person you’re communicating with is genuine, a discreet background check by our private investigators can provide clarity.
- Maintain heightened situational awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings and the information you share online.
Please be aware that organized crime groups are often behind romance scams. The scammers emotionally manipulate their victims while swindling large sums of money.
Typical Warning Signs of Fake Profiles in a Colombian Dating Scam
This case study highlights how calculated and emotionally manipulative these scams can be. Here are the typical red flags to watch out for:
- The Colombian girl expresses intense interest and talks about love or a future together very quickly.
- After some time, she urgently requests money—for a new phone, medical expenses, travel costs, or investments.
- She consistently finds excuses to avoid in-person meetings or video calls.
- Her stories are vague, convoluted, or difficult to verify.
- Scammers often request payments in cryptocurrency, as these transactions are difficult to trace.
- Be cautious when using online dating applications, as these platforms are often exploited by scammers.

Scammers use fake profiles on every social media platform—stay vigilant.
Why a Background Check Is Crucial
A professional background check conducted by our detective agency on online acquaintances from dating apps or social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram provides security and peace of mind. Incorporating strong personal security practices, such as conducting background checks, can help you avoid falling victim to scams.
We verify the person’s identity, analyze their story, and give you a well-founded assessment. This way, you can avoid falling victim to a romance scam and protect both your emotional and financial well-being. With our expertise, we expose scammers early—before serious consequences arise.
Contact Us for a Discreet Investigation
Trust is the foundation of any relationship—but in the age of online dating, caution is essential. If you have doubts about someone from Colombia, don’t hesitate to contact us before an unknown person puts your finances and emotions at risk. If you receive a security alert or notice any suspicious activity, contact us immediately for a discreet investigation.
Our experienced detectives conduct discreet and professional background checks to protect you from romance fraud.
Reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation. We’re here to give you peace of mind—so you can focus on what really matters: a genuine, trusting relationship.
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