High riskRomance & Dating Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance + reshipping fraud
Main red flag
An online partner asking you to receive and forward parcels abroad.
What to do first
Refuse; reshipping goods for someone you met online can involve stolen-goods fraud.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Can you receive a few packages for my business and forward them to me overseas? I'll cover postage and pay you.'

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 asking you to receive and reship parcels
  • Goods sent to your address for forwarding abroad
  • An offer to pay you or cover postage
  • Pressure framed as helping their business
  • Avoidance of meeting in person

What to do

  • Refuse to receive or reship parcels for online contacts
  • Be aware the goods may be bought with stolen cards
  • Do not share your address for forwarding schemes
  • Report it to your authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop receiving or forwarding parcels immediately
  • Keep records of the items and messages
  • Report it to the police and your fraud authority
  • Cease contact and seek support

What not to do

  • Do not reship parcels for an online partner
  • Do not use your address for forwarding goods
  • Do not assume payment makes it legitimate

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Frequently asked questions

Why is reshipping risky?
The goods are often bought with stolen cards, and forwarding them makes you part of the fraud, with possible legal consequences, even if you did not realise.
They said it's for their business. Real?
Using your address to receive and forward parcels abroad is a classic reshipping scam. Legitimate businesses do not operate this way.
I forwarded parcels. What now?
Stop, keep records of items and messages, report it to the police and your fraud authority, and cease contact.
How do I spot this?
Any online partner asking you to receive and reship packages is a serious warning sign. Refuse and do not share your address.

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.