Romance scams
Be vigilant about interested friendships/relationships
What is a romance scam?
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake identities on dating sites, social media, or messaging apps to build emotional relationships with victims.
Once trust is established, the scammer invents a crisis, such as a medical emergency, legal trouble, or travel issue, and asks for money.
These scams can go on for weeks or months, with the victim often unaware they’re being manipulated.
How to avoid it
- Be cautious with online relationships. Don’t rush into trust, especially if someone avoids video calls or meeting in person.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met. No matter how convincing the story, requests for money are a red flag.
- Watch for excuses. Scammers often claim they’re overseas or in difficult situations to avoid real contact.
- Keep your personal details private. Avoid sharing financial information, ID documents, or your location.
- Talk to someone you trust. A second opinion from a friend or family member can help spot warning signs.
Remember
Love should never come with a price tag. If someone you’ve only met online asks for money, it’s likely a scam.