High riskRomance & Dating Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance + advance-fee (visa)
Main red flag
A partner asking for money for visas, flights, or documents to be together.
What to do first
Do not send money; verify identity and use official immigration channels.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'I want to marry you and move to be with you. Please send money for my visa, flights, and documents so we can 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.

Red flags to watch for

  • Promises of marriage or relocation to win trust
  • Requests for visa, flight, or document fees
  • Escalating costs and delays
  • Avoidance of meeting in person or on video
  • Use of official-sounding fees and paperwork

What to do

  • Do not send money for visas, flights, or documents
  • Verify identity with a live video call
  • Check immigration processes through official sources
  • Report the profile and confide in someone you trust

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop paying, especially for 'one last' document
  • If you paid, contact your bank or payment provider
  • Keep messages as evidence and report it
  • Seek support from people you trust

What not to do

  • Do not fund a partner's visa, flights, or documents
  • Do not send gift cards or crypto
  • Do not ignore repeated delays and escalating costs

Similar scams

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.
High risk Government & Tax

Immigration Scam

This scam involves a caller or message posing as an immigration or border agency that threatens deportation, visa cancellation, or arrest over a supposed problem with your status. The aim is to frighten you into making an immediate payment or handing over passport and personal details.
High risk Romance

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.

Frequently asked questions

Should I pay for a partner's visa or flights?
Be very cautious. Requests to fund visas, flights, or documents for someone you have only met online are a common romance-scam tactic.
The paperwork looked official. Is it real?
Scammers use official-sounding fees and fake documents. Verify immigration processes through official sources, not your partner's claims.
I sent money. What now?
Stop sending more, contact your bank or payment provider, keep evidence, report the profile, and confide in someone you trust.
How can I verify the relationship?
Insist on live video, search their photos, and be wary of anyone who avoids verification yet asks for money to be together.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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.