💔
Romance Scams
Someone online builds a fake relationship to get your money
🔍 How It Works
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media. They build trust over weeks or months, then create an emergency that requires money. They always have excuses for why they can't video chat or meet in person.
📝 Real Examples
- •Someone on a dating site says they're a military doctor overseas. After weeks of sweet messages, they need money for a 'plane ticket home.'
- •A new online friend says their child is sick and they can't access their bank account from abroad.
- •Someone you met online asks you to receive money in your account and forward it elsewhere.
⚠️ Warning Signs
- •They can't video call — camera is 'broken'
- •They declare love very quickly
- •They're always overseas or traveling
- •They ask for money for emergencies
- •They want to move off the dating site to private messaging
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- •Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
- •Do a reverse image search on their profile photo
- •Ask a friend or family member what they think
- •Be suspicious of anyone who avoids video calls
📋 What To Do If It Happens
- •Stop all communication immediately
- •Do not send any more money
- •Report the profile to the dating site
- •Talk to someone you trust — this is not your fault
📞 Where to Report
- •FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- •FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- •The dating site or social media platform