Romance Scams
Someone you met online says they love you. Then the requests for money begin.
A scammer creates an attractive profile on a dating app, social media, or even a game or church group chat. They message you every day, share their "life," and build real emotional closeness over weeks or months. Then a crisis appears: a medical emergency, a customs fee, a business problem, or a can't-miss investment. They ask for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, and there is always a reason they cannot meet in person or video chat.
Watch: how this scam works
Published by the FBI · 2:37 Open the original
Warning signs
- They fall in love very fast and message constantly, but always have an excuse to avoid video calls or meeting.
- They claim to work far away: military deployment, an oil rig, an overseas hospital, international business.
- After weeks of warmth, a sudden emergency requires money, and only you can help.
- They ask for payment in ways that cannot be reversed: wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- They ask you to keep the relationship secret from your family and friends.
- Their profile photos look like a model, or the same photos appear elsewhere online under a different name.
How to protect yourself
- Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person, no matter how long you have talked.
- Try a reverse image search of their photos (ask a family member to help). Stolen photos are a common sign.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about a new online relationship. Scammers count on secrecy.
- Be extra careful if they quickly move the conversation off the dating app to KakaoTalk, WhatsApp, or text.
- If they mention investing or cryptocurrency, stop. That is a well-known scam pattern, not romance.
If it happened to you
- Stop sending money now, even if they promise to pay you back or beg. Cut off contact.
- Call your bank right away if you sent money recently. Some transfers can be stopped or disputed.
- Save everything before blocking them: chat history, profile, photos, payment receipts. It is all evidence.
- Please do not suffer in silence out of shame. These criminals are professionals who fool smart, kind people every day. Reporting protects you and others.