Words With Friends is used by romance scammers to target gamers

They look for players who seem friendly, older, or… Recently widowed. Then they start a conversation. At first, it seems harmless. flattery. Friendly message. Question about where you live.

Weeks later, the conversation often turns to money. Angela from Lake Mary, Minnesota, recently wrote about a situation that had her entire family worried.

“My sister, who lost her doctor husband of 56 years a year and a half ago, is reaching out to a man she met through an online game, Words With Friends. She is buying him gift cards and giving him the number so he can cash them. My nephews took her to the local police department and told her it is a scam! Dangerous and needs to stop. She doesn’t believe anyone!!! Is there a way to find out where these emails and texts are coming from??? We are very concerned! I hope you have some advice.” Angela, Lake Mary, MN

Angela’s situation is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, it is also very common. The authorities consider these romantic scams. They cost victims billions every year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Romantic tricks remain One of the most expensive categories of fraud reported by consumers.

New FBI warning reveals phishing attacks targeting private conversations

Scammers use casual word games like Words With Friends to target older, sad players, often turning friendly chats into costly gift card fraud. (Anastasia Haverich/Getty Images)

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How the Words With Friends scam usually starts

Scammers often start inside unofficial apps where the conversation appears normal. Games like Words With Friends allow players to chat during matches. This simple feature creates an ideal entry point for criminals.

The pattern often follows the same steps. First, the imposter starts a friendly conversation during the game. Next they ask for it Move the conversation to emailOr text message or messaging app. Then they start building emotional trust. Many claim to be widows, travel for work, or work abroad.

Eventually, a crisis emerges. They claim they need help paying a bill, fixing a problem, or purchasing supplies. Finally, they ask for money through gift cards. Once gift card numbers are sent, the funds are usually lost.

Why gift cards are a major warning sign

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

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

Can you find the source of the emails or texts?

Angela asked if it was possible to trace the letters. Sometimes it is. Often it is difficult. Scammers work hard to Hide their identity and location.

They often use:

• VoIP numbers such as Google Voice
• Email accounts created specifically for scams
• VPN services that hide their real location

For this reason, the message may appear to come from the United States even if the scammer is abroad. However, there are some steps that can sometimes reveal clues.

Check full email headers for clues

If the communication is via email, the full email header may reveal the path the message took. The headers sometimes contain the original IP address. This address may show the country where the email began its journey.

Free tools like Google message header Microsoft’s MXToolbox and Message Header Analyzer can analyze email headers and show the path a message traveled through mail servers.

Although this information will not usually reveal the scammer’s true identity, it can sometimes indicate the network or country from which the email originated.

The Apple Pay text scam cost her about $15,000

Romance scammers are moving from dating apps to online games, where casual conversations can quickly turn into requests for gift cards and money. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Global Image Collection via Getty Images)

Reverse image search

Romance scammers Pictures are almost always stolen from real people. These images often come from social media profiles or professional websites. You can upload images to reverse search tools like Google Images.

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

Search for phone number or username

Another simple step is to search for contact information online. Enter your phone number, email address, or username as well as 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 these reports can help reveal the pattern.

Report the in-game account

If you start the conversation words with friends, The account can be reported directly through the game. Companies investigate reports and often remove accounts involved in fraud.

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

The hardest part of these tricks

Emotional attachment can be stronger than 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 sad or lonely, this connection can feel very real. Experts often recommend handling 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 pauses before sending money.

A GOOGLE SEARCH LEADED TO A COSTLY SCAM CALL

Experts warn that scammers often build trust for weeks within games and messaging apps before inventing a crisis and asking victims to send gift cards. (Susan Crater/Boston Globe via Getty Images)

How to Stay Safe from Words With Friends and Romance Scams

Romance scams Continue to grow. Some practical steps can help reduce the risks.

1) Be careful with strangers in online games

Friendly in-game chat can easily become manipulative. Be wary when strangers try to move the conversation elsewhere.

2) Never send gift cards to someone you met online

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

3) Reverse profile pictures to search

Performing a quick image search can reveal stolen images used by scammers.

4) Talk to family before sending money

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

5) Report fraud to authorities

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

The reports help investigators track organized criminal networks.

6) Maintain conversations within the game platform

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

7) Monitoring credit and financial accounts

Some scammers eventually ask victims to provide personal details such as banking information or identity documents. Monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts can help detect suspicious activity early. See my tips and top picks for the best identity theft protection at Cyberguy.com.

8) Reduce the amount of personal information that appears online

Scammers often search for 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 check to see if your personal information really exists on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

9) Pay attention to sudden emergencies or travel stories

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

Key takeaways for Kurt

Angela’s story shows how easy it is to start these scams. They often start in seemingly harmless places. Simple word game. Friendly conversation. A conversation that slowly becomes personal. By the time money enters the picture, you may feel that the emotional bond is already strong. This is why families must focus on patience and protection. Helping someone undo a scam may 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 turned into a scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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