Marriage scammers deliberately target single women and men. They shower them with compliments and maintain contact. The victims long for affection, attention, and love; they are blinded by the offenders’ promises, and only after the wedding – or after the goals have been achieved – do the scammers show their true colors.
The desire to build a fulfilling relationship is deeply important to many people.
However, for some, this has not worked out, and some have already given up hope. A relaxing or exciting vacation is meant to provide a distraction. Then, they meet a friendly entertainer or surf instructor and fall in love. Or: a profile on a popular dating app like Tinder leads to a meeting and what seems to be a wonderful relationship. Unfortunately, in many online dating cases, the person is not real. Photos and details are fake, and even if a meeting never happens, the scammers manage to financially ruin their victims.
Once the scammers have achieved their goal – money and/or a visa – the compliments, declarations of love, and attention stop. They want to return to their country, cut off contact, or demand a divorce. Losing a relationship is always painful, but being deceived, emotionally exploited and financially drained makes it traumatic.
ARE THEY PROTECTED BY LAW?
Unfortunately, not everything that causes harm is punishable. If marriage occurs under false pretences, the victims can file for divorce. There may be legal consequences for the scammers – both civil and criminal. If deception can be proven and it is clear that the wedding would not have taken place otherwise, the marriage can be annulled. Grounds for annulment can include: a serious illness (e.g., HIV), a criminal past, or marriage entered into solely for a residence or work permit. Reasons that do NOT qualify for annulment include deception about age, wealth or virginity. Even if the deception has not yet led to marriage, it is advisable to contact the police and investigate possible criminal liability.
HOW TO PROTECT ONESELF?
As scammers’ methods become more creative, detecting and avoiding them becomes harder. Still, one can pay attention to certain warning signs and take precautions.
It is important to listen carefully – this can help identify inconsistencies or suspicious details that may later prove useful. If someone overwhelms you with compliments and declarations of love, talks quickly about marriage, or suddenly experiences a personal tragedy that requires financial help, these are serious red flags. If the person refuses to talk on the phone, video chat, or meet in person, that is also a warning sign. Use caution. It is important to protect oneself by not sharing personal information or sending money – even if the person threatens to end the relationship.
WARNING SIGNS
• Love bombing: The person floods you with affection and talks about love and marriage very quickly.
• The person’s stories contain inconsistencies or contradictions.
• A meeting, video chat or phone call is not possible.
• The person wants to move to your country after marriage or asks you to move to theirs.
• A sudden tragedy requires a large sum of money, or small financial requests gradually increase.
• If you do not comply with demands, the scammer threatens to end the relationship or publish intimate photos.
• Friends and family express concern or warn you about the relationship.
• Your own intuition warns you – trust your gut feeling more than you might think.
• After the wedding, the scammer’s behavior changes dramatically.
It is important to seek help, even if shame plays a role. This can happen to anyone, and everyone has the right to support and assistance.
In Austria, counseling centers are available for victims of marriage fraud.
Women and girls can find appropriate counseling services here.
Victims of crimes can contact the “Weisser Ring” helpline.
#MarriageScam #Fraud #VacationScam #FinancialExploitation #EmotionalExploitation #Deception #AgainstHumanTrafficking #EndExploitation #EndTrafficking #HopeForTheFuture #Austria