someone falling for a romance scam is simply inexperienced in that matter, and should not be expected to know better

there is also a big difference between loosing your life savings and a failed investment, given that the majority of investments fail anyways.

People that fall for romance scams tend to be older and significantly more experienced (in terms of life and love) than people who don't. They also continue with the relationship even when friends, family and eventually law enforcement sit down with them and show them that it's a scam.

I think many of these scams really highlight our innate desire to fool ourselves, especially when we are desperate and hopeful.

i doubt that older people are more experienced.

being married for a decade or two does nothing to prepare you for an online relationship.

older people likely never had an online relationship before and also weren't switching partners as often when they were young as people nowadays tend to. if they were they should have less trouble finding a new partner.

they are falling for online relationships precisely because they don't know how to find a partner otherwise.

but that isn't even the issue.

i don't know if i could tell the difference between a genuine relationship and a well executed pretender. not meeting in person makes it really hard to verify the claims being made.

what is puzzling is why someone would give up their life savings for someone they haven't even meet yet in person.

some expensive gifts for a few thousand dollars, sure, but all i have? that's something i'd bring into a marriage and only use if it is really needed. but then, i am a skeptic by nature.