What should I do if it already happened?

Stop all contact and block on every channel — do not 'confront' the scammer. Report to the dating app or social platform so they can ban the account. Report to the FTC and IC3, and to your bank or crypto exchange if money was sent. If intimate content was shared, contact StopNCII.org to help take it down.

ROMANCE

Personal

Romance Scams: How to Spot Online Dating Fraud

Scammers create fake online dating and social profiles to build trust over weeks, eventually asking for money for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or 'investments.'

Why this scam works

Romance scams exploit emotional connection, not technical naivety. By the time money is asked for, the victim feels invested in the relationship and isolated from people who would push back.

What's happening now

FTC consumers reported $1.14 billion in losses to romance scams in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 (FTC Consumer Sentinel 2023).
Over 40% of 2023 romance-scam losses were paid in cryptocurrency, often via the pig-butchering pattern (FTC).
Most romance scams now begin on social media or messaging apps rather than traditional dating apps (FTC).

Warning signs

Profile photos look like a model or influencer; reverse-image search finds them elsewhere.
Quickly moves the chat off the dating app to WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.
Always has a reason they can't video call or meet in person.
Eventually asks for money, gift cards, or pitches a 'can't-miss' crypto investment.
Backstory puts them out of reach: oil-rig engineer, deployed military, traveling surgeon.
Love-bombing, pet names, and talk of marriage within days of meeting.

How the scam plays out

Stuck-abroad

"'My wallet was stolen in Dubai — can you wire $2,000 so I can fly home? I'll pay you back the second I land.'"

Investment pitch

"'I want to take care of you. Let me show you how I trade — even $500 to start is fine.'"

Custody/release fee

"'I have an inheritance / settlement / package stuck in customs. I just need help with the release fee.'"

What to do

Insist on a live, unscripted video call before trusting anyone you only know online.
Reverse-image search their photos with Google Lens or TinEye.
Never send money, crypto, or gift cards to someone you haven't met in person.
Talk to a friend or family member before sending anything — scammers actively isolate their targets.

If it already happened

Stop all contact and block on every channel — do not 'confront' the scammer.
Report to the dating app or social platform so they can ban the account.
Report to the FTC and IC3, and to your bank or crypto exchange if money was sent.
If intimate content was shared, contact StopNCII.org to help take it down.

Report: FTC ReportFraud Report: FBI IC3 Report: StopNCII.org

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