Scammers don’t just operate online—they exist in real life, too. Some people make a habit of conning their romantic partners, leaving a trail of financial and emotional devastation. Once they’ve burned one person, they move on, creating new social circles to hide their past. If you suspect someone is hiding a shady relationship history, here’s how to do your homework and uncover the truth.

Red Flags of a Serial Relationship Scammer

1. No Connection to Their Past – They have no close friendships or ties with former partners, and they avoid talking about their past relationships in detail.
2. A String of Broken Relationships – Their past relationships always end in dramatic, blame-heavy circumstances where they claim to be the victim.
3. Lame Excuses About Their Ex – They paint every ex as “crazy,” abusive, or money-hungry without ever taking responsibility for their role in the breakup.
4. Family and Friends Back Their Stories – They recruit family members and new friends who don’t know their full history to validate their lies.
5. Financial Red Flags – They claim financial hardship, make excuses for why they have nothing, or say an ex-partner took everything.
6. Inconsistencies in Their Story – The more you dig, the more their explanations change or don’t add up.

How to Uncover the Truth

If something feels off, trust your instincts and do your homework. Here’s how to fact-check their story:

1. Google Their Ex-Partner’s Name

Their version of events might not match reality. Look up their ex to see if they have shared their side of the story. Some victims of relationship scammers speak out on forums, blogs, or social media.

2. Check LinkedIn and Social Media

• Does their professional history match what they claim?
• Have they been tagged in photos or posts by past partners or friends?
• Do they have a suspiciously “new” online presence with no history before a certain date?
• Are they hiding their past connections?

3. Look at Close Family and Friends

• Check their family members’ social media for inconsistencies.
• See if they maintain relationships with old friends or if they constantly reinvent their social circle.
• If they have no old friends, ask why. The answer may be revealing.

4. Reverse Image Search Their Photos

If they have professional-looking or suspicious photos, upload them to Google Images or TinEye to see if they’ve been used elsewhere under different names.

5. Search Public Records

• Have they been married before?
• Have they been involved in lawsuits or financial disputes?
• Do they have a history of fraud, bankruptcy, or legal trouble?

6. Observe How They React to Questions

• Do they get angry, defensive, or try to gaslight you when you ask reasonable questions about their past?
• Do they insist you just “trust them” without offering any proof?
• Do they refuse to introduce you to anyone from their past?

What to Do If You Discover a Serial Scammer

If you confirm they have a history of scamming ex-partners, take action to protect yourself:

1. Cut Off Contact – Don’t give them another opportunity to manipulate or exploit you.
2. Warn Others – If safe to do so, warn people in your social circles who may be at risk.
3. Report Them – If they have committed financial fraud, report them to law enforcement or consumer protection agencies.
4. Protect Your Finances – If they have access to your money, accounts, or assets, take immediate steps to secure them.
5. Seek Support – If you’ve been affected emotionally or financially, reach out to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group.

Final Thoughts

Real-life scammers rely on secrecy, manipulation, and deception to maintain their false narratives. By doing your due diligence, fact-checking their claims, and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself from becoming their next target. If something doesn’t add up, it’s always worth investigating further. The truth has a way of coming out!