Loverboys

The loverboy scam is always the same: the perpetrators pretend to be in love, make girls or young women emotionally dependent and drive them into prostitution.

The first contact is often made via social networks and dating portals. The loverboys deliberately look for girls and young women who lack self-confidence or have problems at school or in their family.

The perpetrators pretend to have a (romantic) relationship with their victims for weeks and months and make them dependent, whereby the victims are usually completely separated from their circle of family and friends. The isolated bond makes it almost impossible for the victims to escape the perpetrators' coercion.

Later, the loverboys seduce or force their victims into prostitution. The girls and young women are made to believe that they are in financial need or that they want to use the money they earn to build a future together. The perpetrators often use drugs, physical and psychological violence or massive intimidation to sexually exploit their victims.

The loverboy method is still too little known among young people. The explanatory video "Say no! - to sexual exploitation and loverboys" aims to educate and raise public awareness of this issue.

Find help quickly

Further information about the scam of love and the actions of loverboys, prevention and protection measures against human trafficking for sexual exploitation as well as help and support services for girls and women can be found on the website of the Ministry of Gender Equality of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.