Romance fraud – also known as love scams – is a growing issue where the perpetrator deceives their partner into giving away money or property by pretending to be in love. For the victim, it can be emotionally devastating and financially ruinous. But what does it actually take to win a case in a Swedish court? What kind of evidence is needed, and how is it evaluated by the court?
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What is romance fraud under Swedish law?
Romance fraud typically qualifies as fraud under Chapter 9, Section 1 of the Swedish Penal Code (Brottsbalken). It involves intentionally misleading someone in a way that results in an unlawful gain for the perpetrator and a financial loss for the victim.
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What type of evidence is required?
To succeed in court – whether in a criminal or civil case – it must be proven that:
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Deceptive statements were made.
This could involve false claims about the fraudster’s identity, finances, health, location, or intentions. For example: “I’m stranded abroad and need money to come home.” -
The victim was persuaded to take financial action.
This often means transferring money, signing over property, or taking out loans. -
The actions resulted in a benefit for the fraudster and a loss for the victim.
The loss may be direct (money sent) or indirect (debts incurred).
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Common types of evidence in Swedish romance fraud cases
Swedish courts assess the overall weight and credibility of the evidence presented. Typical evidence includes:
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Text messages and chat logs – showing conversations, emotional manipulation, or requests for money.
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Bank statements and transaction records – proving that funds were transferred.
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Screenshots from social media or dating apps – documenting how the relationship started and evolved.
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Emails, photos, call logs, or audio recordings – highlighting inconsistencies or false claims.
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Witness statements – from friends, family, or colleagues who observed the situation.
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How is the evidence assessed by Swedish courts?
Swedish courts conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all evidence. Many cases come down to credibility – of both the victim and the alleged scammer. If there is substantial written documentation showing a pattern of deceit, the chances of success increase significantly.
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In civil cases (such as lawsuits to reclaim money), you need to prove that it is more likely than not that fraud occurred. In criminal cases, however, guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, which requires stronger evidence.
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How can you improve your chances of winning in court?
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Save all communications. Do not delete messages, emails, or images, even if they are painful to look at.
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Keep detailed financial records. Document dates, amounts, and the purpose of every transaction.
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Write down the timeline of events. The more specific and detailed your account, the more credible it becomes.
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Report to the police early. This increases the chance of preserving digital evidence before it disappears.
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Summary
Winning a court case for romance fraud in Sweden requires solid and credible evidence of both deception and financial harm. Documentation is key – the more specific and extensive your evidence, the stronger your case. Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice early in the process to protect your rights and improve your chances of success.
