Romance Scam Investigations
Who Is the Person You Met Online — Really?
A romance scam investigation is a licensed inquiry that works to identify the real person behind an online relationship, trace where your money went, and document the fraud in a report you can hand to your bank, a platform, or law enforcement. Redbeard Intelligence & Investigations, a Florida-licensed firm serving clients nationwide and internationally, conducts these cases quietly and without judgment, helping victims and their families understand what happened and what recovery options may realistically exist.
Signs You May Be Talking to a Romance Scammer
No single sign proves fraud, but several together are a strong reason to look closer — and if you believe you have been scammed online, that instinct is worth acting on.
- Avoids Video Calls
They profess strong feelings quickly yet always have a reason they cannot meet in person or join a live video call.
- Sudden Money Crisis
The story escalates into a crisis — a medical emergency, a customs fee, a frozen account, or a business deal — that only your money can solve.
- Untraceable Payment Requests
You are steered toward paying by gift cards, wire transfer, or a cryptocurrency app you were asked to download.
- Stolen or Model Photos
Their photos resemble a model or match reverse-image results tied to a different name.
- Fake Investment Platform
A polished “investment” platform shows rapid gains but blocks or taxes your withdrawals.
- Crypto Payment Pattern
Funds are steered toward Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or other cryptocurrency, a pattern increasingly common in romance scams.
Who a Romance Scam Investigation Helps
Anyone who met someone online and now has doubts deserves a clear, factual answer — and reaching out is a sign of good judgment, not naivety. Romance fraud is engineered by organized, practiced criminals, and thoughtful, cautious people are targeted every day.
- Individuals who suspect the person they met on a dating app, social platform, or online game is not who they claim to be.
- People who have already sent money or cryptocurrency and want to understand where it went and whether it can be traced.
- Adult children and spouses worried that a loved one — often an older parent — is being manipulated and is not yet ready to hear it.
- Attorneys, guardians, and fiduciaries who need documented facts before acting on a client’s behalf.
What We Can Investigate and Document
Our work centers on turning a confusing situation into organized, verifiable facts. Depending on what you can provide, an investigation may address several areas.
Identity and Authenticity — we examine the persona you interacted with (names, photos, phone numbers, email addresses, and profiles) using reverse-image analysis, open-source intelligence, and public records to determine whether a real, verifiable person stands behind the account or whether the identity is fabricated or stolen.
The Money Trail — we reconstruct a timeline of every payment: amounts, dates, methods, and the accounts or wallets that received them, documentation that is often exactly what a bank’s fraud department or a payment platform needs to open or advance a dispute.
Cryptocurrency Tracing — when funds moved through Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or other assets, we follow the on-chain path across wallets and, where possible, toward exchange deposit points that may be subject to legal process.
Fraud Patterns and Links — we compare the scripts, images, wallet addresses, and phone numbers used against known fraud patterns to reveal whether your case connects to a larger operation.
What Information to Provide
You do not need everything below to begin, and nothing you share will be met with judgment. The more you can gather, the more thorough the analysis.
- Screenshots of conversations, profiles, and any video calls, with usernames and the platforms where you met.
- Phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles the person used.
- Photos or images they sent, including any documents or identification.
- A record of payments — bank wires, gift cards, apps, or crypto — with dates, amounts, and any wallet addresses or transaction IDs.
- Any names, employers, or locations they claimed.
How the Investigation Process Works
- Confidential consultation. We listen to your story, answer questions, and outline what is and is not realistic for your situation.
- Scope and engagement. We define clear objectives, an approach, and an estimate before any work begins.
- Investigation. Our licensed investigators work to identify the romance scammer, verify identities, trace funds, and correlate patterns using lawful methods.
- Reporting. We deliver findings in a clear written report and review it with you so you understand every conclusion.
- Next steps. We help you route the evidence to banks, platforms, or law enforcement and can coordinate with your attorney.
What You Receive
Every engagement is built to document romance fraud in a form that others will take seriously.
- A written investigative report documenting identities, communications, and the money trail in an organized, factual format.
- Supporting exhibits — annotated screenshots, image-analysis results, records, and, where applicable, blockchain transaction maps.
- Evidence packaged for banks and payment platforms to support fraud disputes and chargeback requests.
- Documentation formatted to accompany reports to the FBI IC3, the FTC, state agencies, and local law enforcement.
- A plain-language summary and a debrief so you can make informed decisions.
Confidentiality and Legal Compliance
Redbeard operates, and every case is handled with strict discretion. We gather information through lawful, ethical means — open-source intelligence, public records, and established investigative techniques — and we do not hack accounts, access private communications illegally, or work in ways that would compromise your case. Findings are shared only with you and the people you authorize.
Why Families Choose Redbeard
We combine licensed investigative authority with intelligence-grade research and a calm, respectful approach. Victims of romance fraud often carry a sense of shame that keeps them silent; we treat every client with dignity and focus on facts, not blame. We are candid about what evidence can and cannot show, and we never promise a specific outcome such as guaranteed recovery of funds — instead, we give you the clearest possible picture so your next decisions are grounded in reality.
What Affects the Cost
Every case is scoped individually, and we provide an estimate before beginning. Cost is influenced by several factors.
- The complexity of the persona and how many identities, accounts, or platforms are involved.
- The payment methods used and whether cryptocurrency tracing across multiple wallets is required.
- The volume of communications and records to review.
- Whether coordination with banks, attorneys, or law enforcement is part of the engagement.
Related Services
If your situation extends beyond a single case, these Redbeard services often work alongside a romance scam investigation: Online Dating Investigations, Catfish Investigation, Cryptocurrency Investigations, and Family Romance Scam Intervention.
Where We Work
Redbeard Intelligence & Investigations serves clients nationwide, coordinating remotely and with trusted partners as needed, because romance fraud and its money trail rarely stay in one place. We also maintain corporate offices Orlando and Naples and serve clients across all of Florida in person.
Talk to a Romance Scam Investigator
If something feels wrong, it is worth a confidential conversation — the sooner evidence is preserved, the more options you may have. Call Redbeard Intelligence & Investigations at (888) 564-8300 or email contact@redbeardpi.com to speak with a licensed investigator about your situation, privately and without pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recover money lost to a romance scam?
We focus on identifying the scammer and documenting the fraud so banks, platforms, and law enforcement can pursue recovery. We cannot promise funds will be returned, but strong evidence improves the odds.
Can you really find out who a romance scammer is?
Often we can establish whether a real person is behind the account and surface identifying details, though sophisticated operators using stolen identities can limit how far identification goes.
Is contacting a romance scam investigator confidential?
Yes. Your consultation and case are handled discreetly under Florida, and findings are shared only with you and anyone you authorize.
I feel embarrassed about being scammed. Will you judge me?
Never. Romance scams are run by skilled criminal teams that target thoughtful, caring people, and asking for help is a smart, responsible step.
Do you investigate cryptocurrency romance scams?
Yes. We trace Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and other assets across wallets toward exchange points that may be reachable through legal process.
Why Hire a Licensed Investigator for a Romance Scam Case?
Romance fraud is run by organized, practiced criminals, and untangling it alone rarely works. Redbeard’s Florida-licensed investigators identify the person behind the profile, trace the money and crypto, and build a report your bank, attorney, or law enforcement can act on — with compassion, not judgment.
What is the cost? | how does it work?
At Redbeard Intelligence & Investigations, we offer upfront, transparent pricing that reflects the specific details and complexity of each case. Instead of vague estimates or hidden charges, we provide clear, upfront pricing tailored to your investigation’s unique requirements—without unexpected fees, hidden costs, or additional unexpected expenses. Our goal is to offer efficient, high-quality investigative and intelligence solutions with transparency and peace of mind.
To begin an investigation, intelligence operation, or technical security assessment, the first step is a confidential consultation via phone or email with one of our experienced professionals. During this initial discussion, we will gather key details about your situation to determine the most effective strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you require private investigative services, intelligence gathering, or technical security solutions, our team will develop a customized plan designed to achieve your objectives. Based on the specific requirements of your case, we will then provide a transparent price quote and/or invoice for the cost of the services needed. Throughout the process, we ensure clear and consistent communication, keeping you informed of any significant developments. Upon completion, you will receive a comprehensive written report detailing our findings, along with any supporting evidence such as photos, video documentation, or technical security assessments.
Helpful Guides
Contact us through phone or email for an initial discussion and provide key details about your needs.
Based on the specific requirements of your case, you'll will receive a flat-rate price quote and invoice for the cost of the services needed.
With pricing and mutual terms accepted, payment will be collected for the predetermined costs, and you'll officially become our client.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed of any significant developments. Upon completion, you will receive a written report detailing our findings, along with any supporting evidence or documentation.
