I was a victim of an internet love scam. It was a tormenting experience for me and it took me a year to forgive but not to forget. I study the characteristics of such scammers and all have similarities in their operandi modus.

Level 1) befriend you with 'hi', 'hello' , earn your trust, get quick intel on your background like marital status, family, whether you are staying alone, occupation to gauge your income

Level 2) romancing starts with dear, honey, sweetie, cutie, etc. Often romantic pictures, even sentimental music as props too !!

Level 3) money issues often begin with a luxury gift box with hidden money stuck in malaysia, need to pay clearance taxes in us$, emergency medical/surgery expenses, machinery repairs, lost wallet ... The mind game begins.

Level 4) hound you desperately, pitiful pleads etc . Angry phone calls to pressure...

They work in a team with different roles as the 'lover', logistics, government officer, bank officer like a well scripted drama. They can fake everything - instagram profiles, facebook, logistics websites, crytocurrency website, documentations.

My advice - don't believe. Block immediately and get out of social media for a while to calm your mind. If possible, screenshots, record conversations. Go to our friendly police station if harassed. Don't stay quiet and suffer in silence !!

It's even better if you can identify the scam before it hurts you!