High riskRomance

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake agency (introductions)
Main red flag
An introduction agency charging escalating fees for messages, gifts, or visas.
What to do first
Be wary; verify the agency and avoid paying per-message or gift fees.

How this scam works

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 scams build a genuine-feeling bond over days or weeks, then introduce a crisis or investment that needs your money. They rely on fast intimacy, an inability to meet in person, and requests that shift to gift cards or cryptocurrency.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: An introduction agency charging escalating fees for messages, gifts, or visas. Be wary; verify the agency and avoid paying per-message or gift fees.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Marriage Visa Romance Scam and the Fake Dating Site Bot Scam. See the full Romance & Dating Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • Fees charged per message, translation, or gift
  • Matches who quickly profess love but never meet
  • Requests for travel, visa, or gift money
  • Pressure to keep paying to continue contact
  • An agency you cannot verify

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your match adores you! Pay for translation and to send gifts and flowers, then cover her visa to finally meet.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: An introduction agency charging escalating fees for messages, gifts, or visas.

The scale of it

$1B+
romance scams are among the costliest frauds by total reported losses in the US
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that began on social media in 2023, where many romance scams start
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Verify the agency independently and read terms
  • Avoid agencies charging per-message or gift fees
  • Never send money for gifts, travel, or visas to a match
  • Report fake agencies and cease payments

Already responded? Do this now

  • Stop paying ongoing fees and gift or travel money
  • Contact your bank or payment provider about charges
  • Keep records and report the agency
  • Seek support, as these schemes are manipulative

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not pay per-message, translation, or gift fees
  • Do not send travel or visa money to a match
  • Do not keep paying to continue contact

Related scams to know

High risk Romance

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.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Romance

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.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Social Media

Romance Scam DM

This scam builds an online romantic relationship through messages, then invents an emergency or investment to ask for money, while always avoiding meeting in person.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

How do these agencies make money?
By charging for each message, translation, gift, or service, often with fake 'matches' who never meet you, keeping you paying indefinitely.
My match wants gifts and visa money. Safe?
No. Requests for gifts, travel, or visa money, especially through an agency that charges per contact, are classic warning signs.
I've been paying fees. What now?
Stop paying, contact your bank about charges, keep records, report the agency, and seek support.
Are international introduction agencies all scams?
Not all, but be wary of those charging per-message or gift fees and matches who never meet. Verify the agency and read the terms first.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.