SCAM AWARENESSRomance scams
A romance scam starts with someone who seems kind, attentive, and interested in a relationship. They may find you on a dating app, social media, or even a game. Over weeks or months they build trust, but they always have a reason not to meet. Eventually, they ask for money, gifts, or help with an investment.
How this scam works
Romance scammers create attractive profiles, often using stolen photos. Many claim to work overseas, on an oil rig, in the military, or as a doctor with an international group. They message often, share personal stories, and quickly talk about love or a future together. They may ask you to move the conversation to a private messaging app.
Once they feel trusted, a problem appears. They may need money for a plane ticket, medical bills, customs fees, or a business deal. Some instead introduce an investment opportunity and coach you through it. They usually ask for wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency. Every time you pay, a new emergency follows.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGEMy love, I'm finally coming home to see you, but customs is holding my equipment until I pay a $2,800 fee. My bank account is frozen while I'm overseas. Could you send it by gift card or wire? I'll repay you the moment I land. You're all I have.
Warning signs
- They profess strong feelings very quickly.
- They always have an excuse not to video chat or meet in person.
- They say they live or work far away, often overseas.
- They ask you to move to a private messaging app.
- They ask for money, gift cards, crypto, or help with an investment.
- Their story has details that change or do not add up.
How to protect yourself
- Never send money or gifts to someone you have not met in person.
- Do a reverse image search of their profile photos.
- Search their name and job with the word scammer.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about a new online relationship.
- Be careful about sharing personal or financial details with online contacts.
- Take it slowly; real relationships do not require urgent payments.
If you already responded
- Stop sending money and stop communicating with the person.
- Contact your bank or the payment service you used right away and ask about a refund or reversal.
- Report the profile to the dating site, app, or social network.
- Report the scam to the FTC and the FBI's IC3.
- Watch for follow-up scams from people claiming they can recover your money.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- FTC: What to know about romance scams ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
- File a complaint with the FBI's IC3 ↗
Common questions
How can I tell if someone online is a romance scammer?
Watch for someone who declares love quickly, avoids video calls, never meets in person, and eventually asks for money or offers investment tips. Reverse image search their photos and search their name with the word scammer. If a relationship involves requests for money, treat it as a serious warning sign.
Why won't my online partner video chat or meet in person?
Romance scammers avoid video calls and meetings because they are not who they claim to be. They will offer excuses like a broken camera, poor internet, or work overseas. Someone who repeatedly avoids seeing you while asking for help or money is very likely running a scam.
Can I get my money back from a romance scam?
It depends on how you paid and how quickly you act. Contact your bank or the payment company right away and ask whether the payment can be reversed. Report the scam to the FTC and IC3. Recovery is not guaranteed, and you should avoid anyone who charges a fee to get it back.