Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams

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In today’s digital age, online relationships and connections are more common than ever. While many of these interactions are genuine, scammers have also taken advantage of the anonymity and reach of the internet to perpetrate romance scams. These scams often target individuals seeking meaningful relationships, using emotional manipulation to exploit their trust and, ultimately, their finances.

We are committed to helping you protect yourself and your money. Here’s what you need to know about romance scams and how to guard against them.


What is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam involves a fraudster pretending to be romantically interested in someone to gain their trust and then exploit them financially. These scams usually unfold online through dating apps, social media platforms, or email. Once trust is established, the scammer creates a fabricated crisis or opportunity, asking for money or sensitive information.

Common scenarios include:

  • Claiming they need money for a medical emergency or travel expenses.
  • Asking for funds to help with a sudden financial hardship.
  • Requesting assistance in transferring or receiving money.
  • Explaining they can’t meet in person due to work (e.g., military deployment, international business).

Signs You May Be Targeted

Watch out for these red flags:

  1. Fast-Tracked Romance: They quickly profess deep feelings or talk about marriage.
  2. Inconsistent Stories: Their personal details or stories don’t add up.
  3. Avoiding In-Person Meetings: They repeatedly cancel plans to meet or provide excuses for why they can’t meet.
  4. Requests for Money: They ask for financial help, often in increasingly urgent or emotional terms.
  5. Pressure to Keep It Secret: They discourage you from discussing your relationship with friends or family.

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: If someone you don’t know contacts you out of the blue, especially on social media or a dating platform, proceed with caution.
  2. Verify Their Identity: Conduct a reverse image search of their profile picture to check if it’s been used elsewhere.
  3. Keep Financial Boundaries: Never send money or share financial information with someone you haven’t met in person.
  4. Ask Questions: Be alert if their responses seem vague, scripted, or inconsistent.
  5. Talk to Someone You Trust: Share details about your online relationship with friends or family to get their perspective.
  6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the dating platform.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, act quickly:

  • Stop All Communication: Block the scammer on all platforms.
  • Report It: Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.FTC.gov and notify the platform where you met the scammer.
  • Protect Your Accounts: Change passwords and monitor your bank accounts for unauthorized activity.
  • Contact Your Bank: Contact us or inform your financial institution immediately so we can help secure your accounts and investigate any fraudulent transactions.

Your Security Is Our Priority

Our team is available to assist you in protecting your accounts and recovering from potential fraud. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and remember: genuine relationships don’t come with financial requests.

For more information on romance scams, visit the FBI's romance scams page, or contact us.