High riskRomance & Dating Scams

Travel Money Romance Scam

In this scam, an online partner promises to finally visit you, then asks for money for flights, a stranded emergency, or a customs or travel fee, but the trip never happens and requests continue.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Romance + advance-fee (travel)
Main red flag
A partner who needs travel money to visit but keeps hitting new costs.
What to do first
Do not send travel money; genuine visits do not rely on your repeated payments.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, an online partner promises to finally visit you, then asks for money for flights, a stranded emergency, or a customs or travel fee, but the trip never happens and requests continue.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'I'm finally coming to see you, but I'm stuck at the airport and need money for the ticket and a customs fee.'

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 long-promised visit that needs your money
  • Stranded-at-the-airport or customs-fee emergencies
  • Escalating travel costs and delays
  • Avoidance of meeting until 'this trip'
  • Pressure and emotional appeals

What to do

  • Do not send money for a partner's travel
  • Be aware 'stranded' and 'customs fee' stories are classic scams
  • Verify identity and refuse escalating requests
  • Report the profile and confide in someone you trust

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop paying, especially for 'one more' travel cost
  • 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 flights or travel emergencies
  • Do not send gift cards or crypto
  • Do not believe repeated 'almost there' delays

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Frequently asked questions

Why does the visit never happen?
Each payment is followed by a new travel emergency or fee. The trip is bait; the requests continue as long as you keep paying.
They're 'stranded' and need money urgently. Real?
Stranded-at-the-airport and customs-fee stories are classic romance-scam tactics. Do not send money; verify independently.
I sent travel 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 tell if a visit is genuine?
A genuine partner does not rely on your repeated payments to travel. Insist on live video and be wary of escalating travel costs.

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.