Romance & Dating Scams
Romance and dating scams begin with a fake or stolen identity on a dating app or social platform. The scammer builds trust quickly with constant attention, then invents a crisis, a travel cost, or a can't-lose investment to extract money, gifts, or cryptocurrency. Some pivot to blackmail using intimate images. They almost always avoid meeting in person or on live video.
Common red flags
- A new online partner who quickly professes strong feelings
- Excuses that prevent meeting in person or on live video
- Requests for money, gift cards, or crypto for emergencies or travel
- Being introduced to a 'great' investment or trading platform
- Pressure to move to a private messaging app
Romance scam guides
Military Romance Scam
In this scam, a fraudster poses as a deployed soldier on a dating app or social media, builds a romance, then asks for money for leave requests, travel, phones, or emergencies that never resolve.
Widow Romance Scam
In this scam, a fraudster adopts a grieving widow or widower persona to win sympathy and trust, then asks for money for hardship, debts, or to access a late spouse's funds.
Inheritance Romance Scam
In this scam, an online partner claims to have a large inheritance or fortune they will share with you, but needs your help paying fees, taxes, or transfer costs to unlock it, which never ends.
Marriage Visa Romance Scam
In this scam, an online partner promises marriage or to relocate to be with you, then asks for money for visas, flights, documents, or fees, often disappearing once payments stop.
Travel Money Romance Scam
In this scam, an online partner promises to finally visit you, then asks for money for flights, a stranded emergency, or a customs or travel fee, but the trip never happens and requests continue.
Romance Money Mule Scam
In this scam, an online partner asks you to receive money into your account and forward it on, framing it as helping with their business or family, which makes you a money mule laundering the proceeds of fraud.
Romance Reshipping Scam
In this scam, an online partner asks you to receive parcels and reship them abroad, framing it as helping their business, but the goods are bought with stolen cards, making you part of the fraud.
Romance Loan Scam
In this scam, an online partner persuades you to take out a loan, credit, or new card 'for the two of you' or to help their crisis, leaving you with the debt while they take the money and disappear.
Marriage Agency Scam
In this scam, a fake international marriage or introduction agency charges ongoing fees for matches, translations, gifts, and travel or visa costs, often coordinating with fake 'matches' to keep you paying.
Romance Gift Parcel Customs Scam
In this scam, an online partner says they have sent you an expensive gift or a parcel of money, but it is held in customs and needs fees, taxes, or bribes that you must pay, for a parcel that does not exist.
Doctor Romance Scam
In this scam, a fraudster poses as a doctor, surgeon, or aid worker on an overseas mission, building a romance, then requests money for emergencies, equipment, travel, or to access their funds.
Fake Dating Site Bot Scam
In this scam, a dating site or app uses bots and fake profiles to send flirty messages and keep you subscribing or paying per message, with 'matches' who never meet and conversations that go nowhere.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't they meet in person or on video?
Is it safe to send money to an online partner?
They introduced me to an investment. Is that normal?
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