Romance Scams

A romance scam is when someone uses a fake online identity to gain your trust and affection, then asks for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, bank details, or other financial help. They often invent emergencies or promise to meet in person, but their real goal is to steal your money or personal information.

Romance scams can happen on dating apps, social media, messaging apps, online games, or even through unexpected text messages.

How Romance Scams Work

The Request

After gaining trust, they claim to have an emergency and ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other financial help.

The Scam

Once money is sent, the requests often continue with new excuses—or the scammer disappears completely.

Protect Yourself

Browse the manual below to learn tips on how to stay safe.

Warning Signs / Red Flags

They declare their love or deep feelings very quickly.
They avoid video calls or always have excuses for why they can't meet.
They claim to work overseas, be in the military, or travel frequently.
They ask for money because of an emergency, medical issue, or travel expense.
They request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
They always have a reason they can't meet in person.
They discourage you from telling family or friends about the relationship.
Their profile photos look unusually professional or perfect.
Their stories change or contain inconsistencies.
They pressure you to act quickly or make you feel guilty if you hesitate.

How to Stay Safe

Be cautious if someone develops romantic feelings unusually fast.
Never send money to someone you've only met online.
Video chat before trusting someone with personal information.
Reverse search their profile pictures to see if they're stolen.
Talk to trusted friends or family before sending money.
Keep personal and financial information private.
Trust your instincts if something feels suspicious.
Be skeptical of stories involving emergencies or urgent financial needs.

What To Do If You've Been Scammed

Stop communicating with the scammer immediately.
Do not send any more money, even if they promise repayment.
Contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible.
Change passwords for any accounts you shared.
Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Report the account on the dating app or social media platform.
Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
Report the scam to your local authorities or national fraud reporting agency.

Quick Checklist

Have I ever met or video called this person?
Are they asking for money or financial help?
Are they making excuses to avoid meeting in person?
Have I verified that their photos and identity are real?
Are they asking me to keep our relationship secret?
Are they creating urgent emergencies that require money?
Are they requesting gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers?
Would I still trust this story if a friend told it to me?

Don’t wait until it happens to you.

Start Checking Messages

Romance Scams

How Romance Scams Work

The First Message

Building Trust

Excuses & Lies

The Request

The Scam

Protect Yourself

Don’t wait until it happens to you.