What is a romance scam?
A romance scam is a deceitful tactic that scammers use to create a false sense of trust with someone and then ask for their money. The scam starts when an individual contacts another user on a dating website, app, or social media platform. The pair begin to communicate online but the scammer is unable to meet in person, claiming there is a distance, work, health, or financial issue. The scammer will then ask for money to help resolve their issue, often for travel expenses.
The unfortunate "stories" are crafted to prey on people's empathy and vulnerability. The Federal Trade Commission reviewed thousands of consumers complaints and found the most common lies told by romance scammers:
- "I or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail."
- "I can teach you how to invest."
- "I need help with an important delivery."
- "I'm on an oil rig or ship."
If you receive a message like this, it is scam. Stop communication immediately.
Warning signs
- They cannot meet in person: They will say they live outside of the country, in the military, or work for an international organization.
- They ask for financial help: Once you’ve built an online relationship, they ask for help with medical, travel, or legal expenses. The scammer will tell a fake unfortunate situation, a manipulate tactic to get victims to pay with their emotions. Common reasons are travel expenses, a family member is sick or injured, or they are in legal trouble.
- They ask for a payment method: Romance scammers will use a method that is hard to return such as wire transfer, gift cards, peer-to-peer money transfer app, or cryptocurrency. If you paid a romance scammer through one of these methods, contact the company or bank right way, tell them what happened, and ask for a refund.
- You feel rushed: Scammers will often create a false sense of urgency to prevent the chance to think or ask questions. If you feel pressured to send them money and/or start a relationship with them, take a moment, think about the situation, and ask a trusted friend or family member for their opinion.
Protect yourself
Never send money to anyone you have not met in person or refuses to do a video call. If something seems wrong, stop communication immediately.
How to report a romance scam
If you believe you were a victim of a romance scam, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and report the profile to the dating website or social networking app.