Romantic deception is becoming a growing threat in Azerbaijan. Increasingly, women report being lured into emotional and financial traps by men who pretend to be loving partners, only to vanish after stealing their money, property, or trust.
These scammers often pose as wealthy, respectable men facing temporary financial difficulties — and by the time their victims realize the truth, it’s too late.
Psychologist Yuliya Bayramova told Media.Az that such schemes can ensnare any woman, regardless of age, education, or social status.
“It can happen to anyone,” Bayramova said. “But there are risk factors that make some women more vulnerable – such as low self-esteem, loneliness, lack of emotional support, or previous traumatic experiences. These women often crave connection, affection, or stability, and the scammers skillfully exploit that need.”
Emotional manipulation disguised as love
Romance scammers, Bayramova explained, rely on psychological grooming – studying a woman’s desires and mirroring her emotional language. They project whatever she longs to see: a protector, an intellectual equal, or a caring listener.
“It’s not real empathy – it’s calculated imitation,” she said. “They construct an illusion so convincing that women believe they’ve found ‘the one.’ But what follows is emotional isolation, manipulation, and financial exploitation.”
Over time, victims are pressured to send money, take loans, or sell property “to help” their supposed partner. The fraud is gradual – starting with affection and ending in betrayal.
Different age, same vulnerability
Bayramova identified two main risk groups. The first includes teenagers, often targeted online through flattery and emotional manipulation that can lead to blackmail. The second group comprises adult women, especially those facing loneliness or life transitions.
“At this stage, they may see love as their last chance at happiness,” Bayramova said. “When someone suddenly offers them attention and care, it feels like a miracle – and they lower their guard.”
The digital trap
According to Bayramova, the digital era has made manipulation easier than ever.
“Dating apps and social media are perfect tools for scammers,” she noted. “They let people ‘sell’ and ‘buy’ idealized versions of each other. Algorithms reinforce emotional dependence, and users start believing in relationships that exist only in chat windows.”
Warning signs women should notice
Experts say women should watch for early red flags – inconsistency in stories, pressure for quick intimacy, avoidance of personal meetings, and especially money requests framed as “tests of trust.”
“Healthy suspicion is not cynicism,” Bayramova emphasized. “If something feels off – it usually is. Ask questions, slow down, and listen to your intuition.”
Healing after the scam
Recovering from such experiences is often painful, the psychologist added. Shame and self-blame make it difficult for women to seek help.
“Society still stigmatizes victims, asking, ‘How could you fall for that?’ But shame is a human emotion, not a flaw. Healing begins when a woman accepts what happened and understands she was manipulated – not foolish.”
Ultimately, Bayramova believes that prevention lies in education, open discussion, and emotional literacy.
“We need to teach girls and women to recognize manipulation, build confidence, and understand that love never demands money or secrecy,” she concluded.
