How scammers target grieving victims through online games

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For many people, games like Words With Friends are a relaxing way to pass the time. You play a few rounds, chat with your opponents, and enjoy some mental exercise. But scammers have quietly turned these casual games into hunting grounds.

They look for players who seem friendly, who are older, or who are recently widowed. Then they start a conversation. At first it seems harmless. A compliment. A friendly message. A question about where you live.

Weeks later, the conversation usually turns to money. Angela from Lake Mary, MN, recently wrote to us about a situation that concerns her entire family.

“My sister, who lost her 56-year-old doctor husband a year and a half ago, is communicating with a man she met on an Internet game, “Words with Friends.” She buys him gift cards and gives him the number so he can cash them. My nephews took her to the local police department and told her it’s a scam. Dangerous and to STOP. She doesn’t believe anyone! Is there a way to find out where these emails and text messages are coming from? We are very worried! I hope you have some advice.” Angela, Lake Mary, Minnesota

Angela’s situation is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, it is also very common. Authorities consider these romance scams. They cost victims billions each year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams remain one of the most expensive categories of fraud reported by consumers.

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An elderly woman looks at her credit card while holding her phone.

Scammers use casual word games like Words With Friends to target older and distressed players, often turning friendly chats into expensive gift card scams. (Anastasiia Havrysh/Getty Images)

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How the Words with Friends scam usually starts

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

The pattern usually follows the same steps. First, the scammer strikes up a friendly conversation during a game. Then, they ask to move the conversation to email, text, or a messaging app. Then they begin to build emotional trust. Many claim to be widowed, traveling for work or working abroad.

In the end a crisis appears. They say they need help paying a bill, solving 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.

Why Gift Cards Are a Major Warning Sign

Gift cards are one of the biggest red flags for 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 redeem the balance immediately.

After that, there is almost no way to get the money back. Legitimate people don’t ask strangers or acquaintances for gift cards online. If someone you met online asks for them, treat it as a serious red flag.

Can you find where the emails or text messages are coming from?

Angela asked if it is possible to trace the messages. Sometimes it is. Many times it is difficult. Scammers go to great lengths to conceal their identity and location.

They usually use:

VoIP numbers like Google Voice
Email accounts created specifically for scams
VPN services that hide your true location

Because of this, a message may appear to come from the United States even if the scammer is located abroad. Still, there are some steps that can sometimes reveal clues.

Check the full email headers for clues.

If the communication is via email, the entire email header may reveal the path the message traveled. The headers sometimes contain the source IP address. That address may show the country where the email began its journey.

Free tools like Google Message Header Parser, MXToolbox, and Microsoft Message Header Parser can break down email headers and show the path a message took through mail servers.

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

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A wall of gift cards is shown in a store.

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/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Reverse photo search.

Romance scammers They almost always steal photos of real people. Those photos usually come from social media profiles or professional websites. You can upload the images to reverse search tools like Google Images.

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

Find the phone number or username

Another easy step is to find 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 among multiple victims. In some cases, other people have already reported the same name or number. Finding those reports can help reveal the pattern.

Report account in-game

If the conversation started in Words With Friends, the account can be reported directly through the game. Companies investigate reports and often remove accounts involved in fraud.

That action won’t always stop the scammer completely. However, it can prevent them from targeting additional players.

The hardest part of these scams

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 alone, that connection can seem very real. Experts often recommend approaching the situation with caution.

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

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

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An elderly woman holds Google Play gift cards on a couch.

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

How to stay safe from Words With Friends and romance scams

Romance scams continue to grow. Some practical measures can help reduce the risk.

1) Be careful with strangers in online games

Friendly chat within games can easily turn into manipulation. Be careful when strangers try to take 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 as a warning sign.

3) Reverse profile photo search

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

4) Talk to your family before sending money.

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

5) Report scams to the 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 texting, email, or messaging apps. Staying within the game platform makes it easier to report suspicious behavior.

7) Monitor credit and financial accounts.

Some scammers end up asking victims for personal information, such as banking information or identification 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 research potential victims through people-search websites and public records. Limiting personal data that appears online can make it more difficult 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 available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

9) Be on the lookout for sudden emergencies or travel stories.

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

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Angela’s story shows how easily these scams can start. They often start in places that seem harmless. A simple play on words. A friendly chat. A conversation that little by little becomes personal. By the time money comes into the picture, the emotional bond may already feel strong. That’s why families should focus on patience and protection. Helping someone walk away from a scam can take time, but support and evidence can make all the 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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