Romance scams have become one of the most common internet crimes in the age of online dating and social media. Romance scammers create fake profiles and use emotional manipulation to gain a person’s trust, often asking them to send money or share financial information. The damage can be emotionally and financially devastating for victims. But what happens when someone is accused of being a romance scammer?
Whether you willingly participated or were unknowingly caught up in a scam, you could face serious criminal charges under Colorado law. Jeff Weeden, a trusted Denver criminal defense attorney, helps clients facing serious criminal charges related to fraud and internet crimes. Whether you’re under investigation or have already been charged, acting quickly gives you the best chance for a positive outcome in your case.
To schedule a free consultation, call WeedenLaw at (720) 307-4330 or contact us online today.
Romance Scam Definition
A romance scam is a type of confidence scheme where someone creates a fake romantic relationship, often through online dating sites or social media platforms, to gain trust and exploit the victim emotionally and financially.
Romance scammers typically pretend to be an online partner who is kind, caring, and interested in a serious relationship. Once strong feelings are involved and the victim feels invested, the scammer asks for personal details, inappropriate photos, or bank account information. While some requests may seem harmless at first, the real goal is to gather information that can be used to threaten or extort the person later on.
Romance scams are considered “pig butchering” scams, which are designed to slowly build a false sense of connection before exploiting the person for as much money as possible, just like “fattening up” a pig before slaughter. These fraudulent schemes can cause severe emotional and financial harm and are constantly evolving to trick new potential victims.
What are Common Romance Scams?
Scammers may use several tactics to make their romance schemes feel real. They often use online dating services to create fake profiles and start romantic relationships that seem caring and sincere. Through love bombing, sending constant text messages, compliments, and promises, they try to make the victim feel special and emotionally connected.
Scammers also commonly use long-distance or work excuses to avoid meeting in real life or doing a video call. They may claim to be deployed in the military or working overseas, making it easier to continue the online relationship without raising suspicion. By pretending they can’t meet because of their location, they buy time to gain the victim’s affection and trust.
Once the connection feels genuine, they ask for financial assistance using false narratives such as a crisis involving a family member or medical issues requiring emergency surgery. They often pressure the victim to transfer money quickly, sometimes more than once, using emotional stories to keep the scam going. These tactics are designed to make the victim believe the relationship is real when it’s only a setup to steal money and personal information.
Are Romance Scams Illegal?
Yes, romance scams are illegal. They involve fraud, which is a criminal offense under federal law. Using false pretenses to obtain money or financial information is considered a serious crime. Even if a person didn’t directly steal money but helped a romance scammer by allowing their bank account to be used or forwarding funds, they could still face criminal charges.
Colorado Criminal Charges Associated with Romance Scams
Taking part in a romance scam, even without fully realizing it, can lead to serious criminal charges in Colorado. If the scam involves threats or personal photos used to pressure someone, it may result in criminal extortion charges. Theft charges can also apply if someone is accused of taking money or helping transfer stolen funds. These are federal offenses that carry serious penalties, which is why it’s essential to speak with a Denver criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Theft Crimes – CRS 18-4-401
Theft charges connected to romance scams are prosecuted under CRS § 18-4-401, which makes it illegal to knowingly take or control someone else’s money or property without permission and with the intent to keep it from them. These charges often apply when a scammer, or someone helping them, convinces a victim to transfer their own money, share bank account information, or provide financial assistance through deception.
Even if someone didn’t create the scam but helped move the money or accepted funds under false claims, they may still face theft charges. If you’re facing accusations like this, speaking with a theft lawyer in Denver can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Computer Crimes – CRS 18-5.5-102
Under Colorado law, cybercrime charges are covered by CRS § 18-5.5-102. This law applies when someone uses electronic devices or online communication to commit fraud, theft, or gain unauthorized access to another person’s data.
In romance scams, these charges arise when someone uses dating services or social media platforms to create a fake identity and trick victims into sharing financial information, personal documents, or explicit photos.
If a person uses online tools to carry out the scam, they could face cybercrime charges on top of other offenses. Anyone accused of these crimes should speak with a Denver cybercrime lawyer as soon as possible to understand their legal options.
Criminal Impersonation – CRS 18-5-113
Criminal impersonation (CRS § 18-5-113) is a crime that occurs when someone pretends to be another person to gain money, services, or avoid legal consequences. Most romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites using stolen names or photos to appear trustworthy. They build a romantic relationship with their victim and use that false identity to ask for money or gain access to their bank account information.
Electronic Mail Fraud – CRS 18-5-308
Electronic mail fraud (CRS § 18-5-308) involves using email or other digital messages to defraud someone of money or property. In many romance schemes, scammers pretend to be a real online partner, often sending messages filled with love bombing or fake emergencies to gain the victim’s trust.
By misusing electronic mail to obtain financial information, personal documents, or outright cash through wire transfers or gift cards, scammers break the law, and anyone involved in sending or forwarding those fraudulent messages can face charges.
If you’re accused of being involved in a romance scam, speaking with a Denver fraud attorney is crucial to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Device – CRS 18-5-702
Unauthorized use of a financial transaction device is outlined in CRS § 18-5-702. The statute makes it illegal to use someone else’s credit card, debit card, or bank account without their consent and with the intent to defraud.
This often occurs in romance scams when a scammer poses as an online partner and gains access to a victim’s financial information. Even if the scammer had permission to spend money at one point, they can still be charged if they continue using the financial information to make purchases after the relationship ends or after the victim takes back that permission.
Identity Theft – CRS 18-5-902
Under CRS § 18-5-902, identity theft occurs when a person knowingly uses or possesses someone’s personally identifying information without their permission to gain something of value or commit a crime. This charge is closely tied to romance scams, where scammers use stolen names, photos, or personal details to establish an online relationship and convince the victim to send money or share private information.
Money Laundering – CRS 18-5-309
Money laundering (CRS § 18-5-309) is a criminal offense when someone knowingly moves, hides, or handles money gained through illegal activity to make it look legitimate. This charge can apply in romance scams when a person acts as a “money mule,” meaning they help transfer money on behalf of their online partner. Even if the person didn’t know the full details of the scam, they can still be charged if they helped move money linked to fraud.
Attempt to Commit a Crime – CRS 18-2-101
Under CRS § 18-2-101, a person in Colorado can be charged with criminal attempt if they take a substantial step toward carrying out a criminal act, even if the crime is never completed. Using someone’s bank account information, requesting personal documents, or trying to transfer money as part of a planned scam can all be considered attempted crimes. Even if the victim of a romance scam becomes suspicious and stops communicating, the scammer could still be charged based on the steps already taken to carry out the crime.
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud – CRS 18-2-201
Conspiracy to commit fraud (CRS § 18-2-201) is a charge that applies when two or more people agree to commit fraud or identity theft, and at least one of them takes a step toward making it happen. This often occurs in romance scams when someone is accused of working with others in a larger operation.
For example, if someone helps set up fake profiles online, moves stolen money through a bank account, or communicates with potential victims to ask for money, they may be charged with conspiracy. Even if they didn’t personally trick the victim or receive the money, being involved in any part of the plan could lead to serious charges.
Sex Crimes Related to Romance Scams in Colorado
Some romance scams don’t stop at financial fraud; they can involve sex crimes as well. Below, we explain how certain sex crimes may be connected to romance scams.
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child – C.R.S. § 18-6-403: This charge applies when someone possesses, shares, or requests explicit photos of a minor, even if the minor sends the images voluntarily. In romance scams, this may happen through sexting in Colorado, which involves sending and receiving sexual messages online. Possession of such images is considered sexual exploitation of a minor and carries severe penalties.
- Posting a Private Image for Harassment (“Revenge Porn”) – C.R.S. § 18-7-107: Known as “revenge porn,” this law makes it illegal to share or threaten to share intimate images to harass, intimidate, or extort someone.
- Internet Luring of a Child – C.R.S. § 18-3-306: In Colorado, online solicitation of a minor is legally referred to as internet luring of a child. This charge applies when someone communicates online with a person under 15 and tries to get them to engage in sexual conduct. In romance scams, this can happen when an adult sends sexual messages to a minor or when a scammer pretends to be a minor to start inappropriate conversations.
- Sextortion-Related Conduct: Sextortion involves using explicit images to blackmail victims. This often occurs after trust is built through an online relationship. Depending on how the scam unfolds, it may result in multiple charges, including sexual exploitation and online solicitation.
Are Romance Scams Considered Federal Crimes?
Romance scams can be federal crimes when they involve interstate or international activity, large sums of money, or the use of digital platforms. Federal agencies may investigate these cases and often carry harsher penalties than state-level offenses.
Federal Involvement in Romance Scam Cases
Cases that involve victims in multiple states or countries can trigger investigations by federal agencies, especially if large sums of money are moved between bank accounts or through wire transfers.
Federal agencies have the resources to track online activity, recover digital records, and identify scams that wouldn’t otherwise be discovered through local online searches. When a case is prosecuted at the federal level, the penalties can be much more severe.
Can Someone Be Charged Without Knowing They Were Involved?
Yes, you can face charges even if you didn’t realize you were helping a scammer. This is common in “money mule” cases, where someone unknowingly transfers stolen funds for an online partner.
Even if they had no idea the funds were stolen, they may still be caught up in the investigation. Intent is important in building a defense, but federal authorities may still pursue charges while investigating the full situation.
Defending Against Romance Scam Allegations
Contacting a Denver criminal defense attorney when you find out you’re under investigation can go a long way in protecting your rights. Attorney Jeff Weeden will review the facts, assess your situation, and build a defense tailored to your case. Possible legal strategies may include:
- Lack of knowledge or intent: You did not know the person you were helping was a scammer, and you had no intent to commit fraud.
- Mistaken identity: You were wrongly identified as the person responsible for the scam.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement persuaded or pressured you into actions you would not have otherwise taken.
- Lack of fraudulent activity: The relationship or exchange may have been genuine, without intent to deceive or cause harm.
Consequences of a Romance Scam Conviction in Colorado
A romance scam conviction in Colorado can carry serious consequences that affect every part of your life. You could face several months or years in prison, depending on the charges. Fines can be steep, and courts may order restitution to repay victims for their losses.
Beyond the legal penalties, a conviction results in a permanent criminal record, making it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or obtain loans. Your reputation may suffer, and the financial impact can last for years.
How Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Weeden Can Help
Denver criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden has years of experience handling fraud, cybercrime, and white-collar cases, including those involving romance scams. He takes a personalized approach to every case, working closely with clients to understand their side of the story and build a strong defense.
Jeff knows how stressful and overwhelming these accusations can be, and he offers discreet, nonjudgmental representation while protecting your rights against aggressive prosecutors. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges, Jeff Weeden is ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Contact a Denver, Colorado Romance Scam Defense Lawyer at WeedenLaw for a Free Consultation
If you have been accused of online fraud related to a romance scam, don’t wait to get legal help. These cases move quickly, and having the proper defense early on can make a big difference.
At WeedenLaw, we provide confidential, nonjudgmental legal support for clients in Denver and the surrounding areas. Call (720) 307-4330 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
