UPDATED FOR 2026. It’s wonderful to hear, “I love you.” But if the words are coming from someone you recently met online, maybe what they really mean is, “I’d love to exploit you.” Is this person for real, or is your online love a scammer? The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) collects data on all types of online crime. In its 2024 report, the most recent available, 859,532 complaints were filed. This actually represents fewer claims filed than during the previous year, but the dollar losses ballooned. The report stated: "Last year saw a new record for losses reported to IC3, totaling a staggering $16.6 billion. Fraud represented the bulk of reported losses in 2024, and …
Is it love or is it love bombing?
Almost everyone who is targeted by a sociopath in a romantic relationship experiences love bombing — over-the-top attention and affection. In my book, Red Flags of Love Fraud — 10 signs you’re dating a sociopath, Red Flag #4 is love bombing. When they're in full seduction mode, sociopaths want to be with you all the time, and if they're not physically with you, they want to be in constant communication with you. They proclaim their love — quickly, frequently and persistently. Most of us interpret this ceaseless devotion as an indication that our new partner is truly smitten. But it's not love — it's love bombing. Unlike true love, love bombing is insincere. It is not an …
Asking the wrong question about coercive controllers
UPDATED FOR 2026. Coercive control is a pattern of assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim. Where does this behavior come from? A Lovefraud reader sent me an article by Dr. Emma Katz, who describes herself as a “globally respected expert in coercive control, domestic violence and domestic abuse.” I invite you to read the article: She didn’t “pick wrong.” Society failed by creating millions of abusive men. In her article, Katz says there are so many abusers in the world that “we need to stop blaming women for ‘ignoring red flags’ when men turn out to be controlling and abusive partners.” I listened to Katz …
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Sociopaths exploit everyone in their lives
Here’s a fact that many people have a hard time wrapping their brains around: Sociopaths exploit everyone in their lives. On Lovefraud, we spend a lot of time talking about how sociopaths seduce caring, unsuspecting people into romantic relationships. Then, once they’re hooked, sociopaths treat them with unbelievable meanness and cruelty. Well, guess what. Sociopaths do that to everyone — family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even, sometimes, random strangers. They are equal opportunity manipulators. Definition of a sociopath First of all, whom are we talking about? My friend and colleague, Dr. Liane Leedom, defines a sociopath as “someone who preys on …