How to Know If a Person Is Real or a Scammer
Protect yourself from fraud, fake identities, and emotional scams online
In an age where we connect, communicate, and even fall in love online, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell who’s genuine and who’s pretending to be someone they’re not. Romance scams, job scams, fake investment brokers, and identity theft are all on the rise. Every day, thousands of people are tricked by someone who seemed trustworthy — until it was too late.
At cfpb loss recovery, we help individuals investigate suspicious activity, confirm identities, and recover funds lost to fraud. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of a scammer, how to verify someone’s identity, and what you can do if you suspect foul play. This isn’t just advice — it could protect your money, your mental health, and your peace of mind.
Common Signs That Someone Might Be a Scammer
Recognizing a scammer early is your best defense. These red flags appear in almost every type of scam, from romance to investment to tech support schemes:
1. They Contact You Out of the Blue
Scammers often make the first move — sending a DM on Instagram, messaging you on WhatsApp, calling you about a “prize,” or emailing you with an “opportunity.” If you weren’t expecting to hear from someone and the conversation turns personal, financial, or urgent quickly — be suspicious.
Example: A scammer pretends to be a U.S. soldier overseas looking for love. They message dozens of people a day using fake profiles.
2. They’re Too Good to Be True
Whether it’s a romantic partner who says all the right things, or an “investment expert” promising guaranteed returns — if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers are experts at flattery, persuasion, and painting a dream scenario that makes you want to believe them. Don’t be fooled.
3. They Ask for Sensitive or Financial Information
A real person — especially one you just met — will never need your:
- Banking or credit card info
- Social Security or passport number
- Login details
- Crypto wallet credentials
Once a scammer has your personal data, they can drain your accounts, steal your identity, or impersonate you elsewhere.
4. They Create a Sense of Urgency or Fear
Scammers thrive on pressure. They may say you only have minutes to act, or that something terrible will happen if you don’t send money right now. Urgency is designed to shut down your critical thinking.
Example: “If you don’t pay this fine today, you’ll be arrested.” Or, “I need money right now or I’ll lose my job and be homeless.”
5. They Want You to Use Untraceable Payment Methods
Legitimate companies or individuals will not insist on being paid via:
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers (like Western Union)
- Crypto (Bitcoin, USDT, etc.)
- Zelle or Cash App (especially to a random email)
These are favorite tools of scammers — hard to trace, impossible to reverse.
6. They Avoid Face-to-Face Contact
A scammer might make excuses to avoid a video call or in-person meeting:
- “My camera’s broken.”
- “I’m deployed overseas.”
- “I’m traveling for business and don’t have access to WiFi.”
If someone you’re talking to won’t show their face, something is off.
7. Their Story Doesn’t Add Up
Pay attention to inconsistencies in:
- Spelling or grammar (especially if they claim to be from your country)
- Timeline of their life
- Job or income claims
- Photos or social media profiles
Scammers often use stolen pictures, fake job titles, and scripted responses.
How to Verify If Someone Is Real
Here’s what you can do if you’re unsure about the person you’re talking to:
1. Reverse Image Search
Upload their photo to Google Images or TinEye . If the same photo appears with different names, it’s stolen.
2. Check Their Digital Footprint
Look up their full name, email, phone number, or usernames. A real person will usually have:
- A consistent presence across platforms
- Real connections (not all “model” or “influencer” friends)
- Comments from people who know them in real life
3. Ask for a Video Call
This is one of the quickest ways to determine if they’re real. If they keep dodging your request, trust your gut.
4. Ask Detailed Questions
Scammers often use scripts. Ask specific, personal, or localized questions they can’t easily answer or fake.
How cfpb loss recovery Can Help You
We understand that it can feel embarrassing or overwhelming to admit you’ve been tricked or that you’re unsure. But you’re not alone — and help is available.
At cfpb loss recovery, we provide:
Identity Verification
Let our experts investigate whether the person you’re talking to is real. We use forensic tools, OSINT (open-source intelligence), and digital tracing methods.
Scam & Fraud Investigation
If you’ve lost money or shared information, we can help you:
- Track transactions (crypto)
- Investigate accounts and platforms
- Assist with fund recovery when possible
Education & Prevention
Want to make sure this never happens again? We offer guides, workshops, and personalized training to help you and your loved ones stay safe online.
Think You’re Talking to a Scammer?
If you’re in doubt — don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to us. One of our fraud analysts or investigators will help you understand your situation and recommend next steps.
No pressure. No judgment. Just expert advice.
Want to be sure you’re not missing any red flags?
Download our Fraud Awareness Printable Workbook, which includes a step-by-step checklist to help you evaluate suspicious conversations and protect yourself online.
Remember: If it feels off, it probably is.
Scammers count on your trust. Let us help you stay a step ahead.