High riskSocial Media Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance and confidence scam
Main red flag
A new online romance that quickly grows serious and then asks for money.
What to do first
Do not send money. Be cautious with anyone who avoids meeting or video calls.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'You mean everything to me. I hate to ask, but I'm stuck overseas and my card is frozen. Could you help me with a small transfer until I sort it out? I'll pay you back as soon as I'm home.'

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 stranger who quickly becomes very affectionate online
  • Someone who always has reasons not to meet or video call
  • A sudden emergency, medical bill, or travel problem requiring money
  • Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto
  • An eventual pitch to invest together in a platform they recommend

What to do

  • Do not send money, gift cards, or crypto
  • Slow down and talk to someone you trust about the relationship
  • Try a video call and be cautious if it never happens
  • Report and block the account, and keep records

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop sending any further money immediately
  • Contact your bank or payment provider to try to stop transfers
  • Keep all messages, profiles, and payment records
  • Report to your anti-fraud centre and seek support

What not to do

  • Do not send money to someone you have not met in person
  • Do not invest based on a romantic contact's advice
  • Do not keep the situation secret out of embarrassment

Similar scams

Medium risk Text Message

Wrong Number Text Scam

This scam starts with a friendly 'wrong number' text, builds a casual conversation over time, and eventually steers you toward a fake investment.
High risk Crypto & Investment

Crypto Investment Scam

This scam promises high or guaranteed crypto returns through a fake platform, shows paper profits to encourage bigger deposits, then blocks withdrawals.
High risk Social Media

Instagram Verification Scam

This scam offers a blue verification badge or warns your account is at risk, then links to a fake login page that steals your password.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly do romance scammers ask for money?
It varies. Some build trust for weeks or months before the first request, which can make the eventual ask feel reasonable.
They refuse to video call. Is that suspicious?
Consistently avoiding video calls or in-person meetings while professing strong feelings is a common red flag of a romance scam.
They now want me to invest. Is that related?
Yes. Many romance scams evolve into investment fraud, steering you toward a fake platform after trust is built.
I sent money. What should I do?
Stop all payments, contact your bank, report it, and reach out for support. Be wary of recovery services that ask for upfront fees.

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.