TL;DR: Divorce means dividing shared finances during an emotionally difficult time. Monitor joint accounts closely and consider separating them early in the process, and verify the credentials of any financial or legal specialist independently.
👉 Check my digital footprint — free 30-second check →
Divorce means dividing shared finances during an emotionally difficult time.
Common Tactics Used
Fake 'divorce financial specialists' charge for unnecessary services, and a soon-to-be-ex-spouse or their contact may attempt to move or hide shared funds through fraudulent transfers.
How to Protect Against It
Monitor joint accounts closely and consider separating them early in the process, and verify the credentials of any financial or legal specialist independently.
What Family and Friends Can Do
Sudden secrecy about money, unusual withdrawals, or a new online relationship that stays undisclosed are all worth a calm, judgment-free conversation. The earlier a scam is caught, the more can usually be recovered.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Scams Targeting People Paying Off Debt.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Financial Scams Targeting People With Disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they specifically targeted?
Divorce means dividing shared finances during an emotionally difficult time.
What tactics do scammers use?
Fake 'divorce financial specialists' charge for unnecessary services, and a soon-to-be-ex-spouse or their contact may attempt to move or hide shared funds through fraudulent transfers.
How can they protect themselves?
Monitor joint accounts closely and consider separating them early in the process, and verify the credentials of any financial or legal specialist independently.
What should family or friends watch for?
Sudden secrecy about money or new online relationships, unusual withdrawals or wire transfers, and reluctance to discuss a new "opportunity" or contact in detail are all worth a gentle, non-judgmental conversation.
What should I do if I think this has already happened?
Stop all contact and payments immediately, report it to the appropriate authority, and contact the bank or payment provider involved to see what can be recovered.