How scammers target grieving victims through online games

Weeks later, the conversation often shifts to money. Angela from Lake Mary, MN, recently wrote to us about a situation that has her entire family worried.

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Scammers often start inside casual apps where conversation feels natural. Games like Words With Friends allow players to chat during matches. That simple feature creates the perfect entry point for criminals.

Eventually, a crisis appears. They claim they need help paying a bill, fixing a problem or buying supplies. Finally, they ask for money through gift cards. Once the gift card numbers are sent, the money is usually gone.

Gift cards are one of the biggest red flags in scams. Criminals prefer them because they are fast and difficult to trace. Once someone shares the numbers on the back of the card, the scammer can redeem the balance immediately.

There is almost no way to recover the money after that. Legitimate people do not ask strangers or online acquaintances for gift cards. If someone you met online asks for them, treat it as a serious warning sign.

They often use:

Because of this, a message may appear to come from the United States even if the scammer is overseas. Still, there are a few steps that can sometimes uncover clues.

If the communication is happening by email, the full email header may reveal the route the message traveled. Headers sometimes contain the originating IP address. That address may show the country where the email began its journey.

While this information will not usually reveal the scammer's true identity, it can sometimes indicate the network or country where the email originated. 

If the same photo appears under multiple names or accounts, that is strong evidence of a scam. Showing that proof sometimes helps victims reconsider what is happening.

Another simple step is searching for the contact information online. Enter the phone number, email address or username along with words like scam or romance scam.

Many scammers reuse the same identity across multiple victims. In some cases, other people have already reported the same name or number. Finding those reports can help reveal the pattern.

That action will not always stop the scammer completely. However, it can prevent them from targeting additional players.

The emotional connection can be stronger than the evidence. Scammers spend weeks building trust. They learn about the victim's life, their losses and their fears. Then they present themselves as someone who understands.

For someone who is grieving or lonely, that connection can feel very real. Experts often recommend approaching the situation carefully.

Avoid accusations or heated arguments. Instead, focus on protecting finances and calmly presenting evidence. 

Family members may also help by monitoring financial activity or encouraging a pause before sending money.

Friendly chat inside games can easily become manipulation. Be careful when strangers try to move the conversation elsewhere.

Gift cards are one of the most common tools used in scams. Treat any request for them as a warning sign.

Running a quick image search can reveal stolen photos used by scammers. 

A second opinion can stop a scam before it becomes expensive. 

If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Reports help investigators track organized criminal networks.

Scammers almost always try to move the conversation to text, email or messaging apps. Staying inside the game platform makes it easier to report suspicious behavior.

Some scammers eventually ask victims for personal details such as bank information or identification documents. Monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts can help detect suspicious activity early. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.

Scammers often research potential victims through people-search websites and public records. Limiting the personal details that appear online can make it harder for criminals to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Romance scammers often claim they are working overseas, stuck on an oil rig or deployed in the military. These stories are designed to explain why they cannot meet in person.  

Angela's story shows how easily these scams can begin. They often start in places that feel harmless. A simple word game. A friendly chat. A conversation that slowly becomes personal. By the time money enters the picture, the emotional bond may already feel strong. That is why families must focus on patience and protection. Helping someone step back from a scam can take time, but support and evidence can make a difference.

If a friendly opponent in a simple word game started messaging you every day, would you recognize the moment when the conversation turns into a scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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