High riskRomance & Dating Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance + coerced borrowing
Main red flag
An online partner pressuring you to borrow money or open credit for them.
What to do first
Do not take out loans or credit for someone you met online.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'If you really love me, take out a loan to help with my emergency and our future. I'll pay it back, I promise.'

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

  • A partner urging you to take a loan or open credit
  • Appeals to love and a shared future
  • An emergency that only your borrowing can fix
  • Promises to repay that never materialise
  • Avoidance of meeting in person

What to do

  • Do not take out loans or credit for an online partner
  • Be aware you remain liable for any debt
  • Talk to someone you trust before acting
  • Report the profile and cease contact

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you took a loan, stop sending funds and seek debt advice
  • Contact your lender about the situation
  • Keep messages as evidence and report it
  • Seek support, as these scams are manipulative

What not to do

  • Do not borrow money for an online partner
  • Do not open credit or cards in your name for them
  • Do not let love or guilt drive financial decisions

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 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.
High risk Bank & Payment

Advance Fee Loan Scam

A lender guarantees approval for a loan regardless of your credit, then asks for an upfront 'insurance', 'processing', or 'first payment' fee before releasing the money. Once the fee is paid, the promised funds never arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Why would a partner ask me to borrow money?
Because the debt stays with you while they take the funds and disappear. Pressuring you to borrow 'for love' is a manipulation tactic, not a genuine partnership.
They promised to repay the loan. Real?
No. The repayment never comes. You are left liable for the loan or credit you took out. Never borrow for someone you met online.
I already took out a loan. What now?
Stop sending funds, seek debt advice, contact your lender, keep evidence, report the profile, and seek support.
How do I protect myself?
Never take loans, credit, or cards for an online partner, and confide in someone you trust before any financial decision.

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.