Hidden Lures: How Spy Tactics Use Charm to Steal Secrets

Foreign powers often use subtle tricks to gain U.S. information, and one of the oldest methods is the “honeypot.” In this approach an attractive person—sometimes a woman, sometimes a man—creates a friendly or romantic connection with a target who has access to sensitive data. The goal is not love but leverage: a promise of intimacy can open doors that would otherwise stay shut.

The practice is not new. During the Cold War, spies from both sides sent operatives who posed as tourists or socialites to gather intel. Today, the same tactics appear at big defense shows like the AUSA conference in Washington, D.C. Officials report that people who look like tourists or sales reps quietly slip into the crowd, learn security routines, and then approach high‑profile contractors with charming offers of drinks or networking. In one case a former soldier, now a defense contractor, was approached by an Asian woman who sent flirty texts after an initial conversation about her job. The exchange quickly turned into a request for personal favors, revealing how easily the line between professional and personal can blur.

Not all spies rely on romance. Money often drives leaks more than seduction. A study of U.S. cases from 1985 to 2017 found that most individuals who passed secrets abroad did so for financial gain. Yet, the lure of a romantic partner can make a target feel special and less suspicious. For example, a retired U.S. Army officer was caught sharing classified plans with a Chinese girlfriend after repeated messages that mixed affection with requests for data. The FBI noted that the relationship was a classic “honeypot” setup, exploiting emotional ties to lower defenses.

The problem is that these tactics are hard to detect. They happen in plain sight, disguised as normal social interactions at conferences, hotels, or online networking sites. Social media platforms like LinkedIn become hunting grounds where foreign agents pose as professionals, offering advice or travel deals to lure engineers and scientists into conversations that gradually shift toward sensitive topics. In one instance, a student at Stanford was approached by someone using a fake identity who promised travel to Beijing in exchange for networking tips, only to find out the person had no real affiliation with the university.

The use of seduction is not limited to women. Male operatives, sometimes called “Romeos,” have also been known to charm female targets into sharing confidential information. A case in 2021 involved a contract linguist who fell for a senior Hezbollah commander and unknowingly transmitted U.S. airstrike details via video chat.

While the U.S. intelligence community says it does not routinely employ honeypots on domestic soil, the prevalence of these tactics by foreign adversaries—particularly China and Russia—remains a serious concern. Analysts warn that the rise of digital communication makes it easier for spies to weave personal stories into their missions, blurring lines between professional networking and covert intelligence gathering. Recognizing these subtle cues can help protect sensitive information from being handed over under the guise of romance or friendship.