Romance Scam: When Online Love Asks for Money

A romance scam is an online relationship where someone builds trust over weeks or months, then invents an emergency that requires you to send money.

How the romance scam works

They avoid meeting in person or on video, express strong feelings quickly, and eventually ask for money for a flight, customs, medical bills, or a “can't-miss” investment. The person in the photos usually isn't real.

Red flags to watch for

• They profess strong feelings fast but won't meet in person or on video
• They always have a reason they can't visit
• They ask for money, gift cards, or crypto — often for an emergency
• They steer the conversation toward an investment “opportunity”

What it looks like

“My love, I'm stuck overseas and customs is holding my bag. Can you send money so I can come see you?”

What to do

1. Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
2. Do a reverse image search of their photos.
3. Talk to a friend or family member you trust about it.
4. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Other common scams