Caught in a Romance Scam? What a PI Can Really Do to Help

Romance scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of online fraud. You think you're talking to someone real. Someone who cares. Maybe you met on a dating site, through social media, or even a seemingly innocent app. Then the requests start—money, gift cards, help with a "temporary" issue, or even opening an account in your name.

Before you know it, you're left with heartbreak, financial loss, and unanswered questions.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And you're not foolish.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we help individuals across Long Island and New York City investigate suspected romance scams. Whether you’re trying to confirm someone’s identity, recover losses, or just get peace of mind, a licensed private investigator can uncover the truth behind the profile.

 
What Is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam occurs when a scammer creates a fake identity to build a false emotional connection with someone—usually online—in order to gain their trust and exploit them for financial or personal benefit.

These scams can take many forms:

• Catfishing: Using fake photos or stolen identities to appear attractive or relatable.
• Long-distance lovers: Making excuses to avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
• Military romance scams: Claiming to be a deployed service member who needs money to return home.
• Investment scams: Pretending to share a business or crypto opportunity with emotional leverage.
• Emotional blackmail: Threatening to release private photos or messages if you don’t comply.
   

  Who Is Being Targeted?

Scammers don't discriminate. We've worked with clients of all backgrounds, professions, and ages. But common targets include:

• Recently divorced or widowed individuals
• Seniors living alone
• Busy professionals turning to dating apps
• LGBTQ+ individuals navigating discreet platforms
• People with a public-facing online presence (e.g., influencers or entrepreneurs)

Even highly educated people fall victim. Why? Because these scams are designed to manipulate your emotions, not your intelligence.

 
Warning Signs You May Be in a Romance Scam

You don’t need a smoking gun to feel that something’s off. These red flags are reason enough to pause and investigate:

• They ask for money—no matter the excuse
• Their story involves an overseas situation (military, contractor, etc.)
• They won't video chat or meet in person
• Their photos look too perfect (often stolen from influencers or models)
• The relationship moves unusually fast
• They avoid answering direct questions or change topics quickly
• Their online profile disappears and reappears under a different name
• You've sent them money, and now they're asking for more

If any of this rings true, it's time to bring in professional help.

 
How a PI Can Help Confirm or Uncover the Truth

You don’t need to wait until you're defrauded out of thousands. A private investigator can begin working at any point in your suspicion.

Here’s how we help:

1. Facial Recongnition and Identity Checks
We run the person’s photos through advanced reverse image searches to:

• See if they appear on other websites or dating profiles
• Identify stolen identities (often from real people)
• Flag photos linked to known scam reports

If the image belongs to someone else, we can trace the real individual and determine who might be impersonating them.

2. Email, Phone, and Social Media Analysis
We investigate the contact information you have:

• Is the email linked to known scam domains or fraud rings?
• Is the phone number VoIP, burner, or international?
• Are their social profiles real, or are they built with fake followers and posts?

We also cross-reference usernames and handles across platforms to check for inconsistencies or multiple identities.

3. Digital OSINT Investigation
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) allows us to gather:

• Domain ownership records (if they sent links)
• IP address origins from email headers (where possible)
• Connected profiles across forums, dating apps, and niche communities
• Comments, reviews, or posts that may contradict their story

We also look into forums and scam databases to see if the same language, pitch, or story is part of a broader fraud pattern.

4. Legal & Law Enforcement-Ready Reports
If fraud occurred and you plan to file a police report or contact an attorney, we can:

• Provide documentation with timestamps and sourcing
• Format findings into a structured, professional report
• Assist you in preparing a clear narrative for law enforcement

Many victims feel overwhelmed when trying to explain their story. Our reports help you organize the evidence and get taken seriously.

 
Real Case Example: Crypto Romance Scam in Queens

A client in Queens met a man on a dating app who claimed to be a crypto investor. After weeks of emotional conversations, he convinced her to download a trading app and "invest" $5,000 into what he said was a guaranteed return.

When she tried to withdraw her money, the app asked for a $3,000 "unlock fee."

We traced the domain behind the app to an overseas scam ring already flagged by international agencies. We also confirmed the scammer’s photo belonged to a personal trainer in California with no idea his identity was being used.

She was able to provide law enforcement with a full report, including screenshots, IP origins, and chat logs—ultimately protecting others and finding closure.

 
Is It Too Late If I Already Sent Money?

Not necessarily.

Even if funds are already gone, a PI can:

• Help identify the scammer’s real identity (or network)
• Assist in filing police or FBI reports
• Provide documentation to banks or payment apps for fraud review
• Prevent further damage by identifying other compromised accounts

Most people don’t report romance scams because they feel ashamed. But remember: this is organized crime, not a personal failure. The sooner you act, the more power you have.

 
Will the Person Know They're Being Investigated?

No. Our work is completely discreet.

We never contact the subject unless you request a confrontation strategy (rare). All searches and surveillance are done behind the scenes using legal, ethical methods.

You’ll receive verified results—nothing guess-based or speculative.

 
What Happens After the Investigation?

You can use our findings to:

• File a police or FBI Internet Crime Complaint (IC3)
• Present evidence to an attorney (if financial damages are significant)
• Warn others on platforms where the scammer is active
• Secure your online accounts if other data was accessed

Most importantly, you get clarity. Whether it confirms a scam or clears your doubts, truth puts you back in control.

 
How Much Does It Cost to Investigate a Romance Scam?

Our pricing is based on the amount of research needed. Typical packages include:

• Basic Identity Verification: $199–$399 (photo, phone, email, social scan)
• Enhanced Scam Investigation: $399–$899 (includes OSINT, domain tracing, pattern analysis)
• Court-Ready Reports : Quoted per case

We’ll always explain your options before starting. There are no surprise fees.

 
What You Should Do Right Now

If you suspect a romance scam, take these steps:

• Stop sending money. Cut financial contact immediately.
• Save all communications. Don’t delete texts, emails, or app logs.
• Capture screenshots of profiles, photos, and account details.
• Avoid confronting them. Let a PI gather facts first.
• Call us for a free consultation. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
   
  Serving Long Island and NYC With Confidential Support

Easton Secure Solutions LLC is licensed in New York. We serve individuals in:

• Nassau and Suffolk Counties
• Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Bronx
• Digital Investigations available throughout New York State as well as Nationwide

Your case is handled with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism. No judgment. Just facts.

 
You Deserve to Know Who You’re Really Talking To

Online dating shouldn’t feel dangerous. If someone has manipulated your trust, it’s not too late to take your power back.

We’ll help you uncover the truth, protect your identity, and if needed, prepare a case for authorities.

 
📞 Call now: (516) 962-1267
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Request a Confidential Review | Explore Our Identity Verification Services

 
Romance scammers count on you staying silent. Let’s make sure you’re heard.