THE FRAUD CODEXSCAM DETECTION
HIGH RISK

Romance Scam

Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, build romantic relationships, then ask for money for emergencies or investments.

Losses: $1.1 billion (FTC 2024)
Targets: Single adults of all ages, especially 50+
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Catfish Scam • Dating Scam • Online Romance Fraud

1How It Works

Romance scammers create attractive, fake profiles and build emotional connections before asking for money. **The Pattern:** 1. **The Profile**: Attractive photos (often stolen from models or military personnel), claims to be widowed, in military, or working overseas 2. **The Love Bombing**: Intense attention, constant messages, quick declarations of love 3. **The Relationship**: Daily communication, pet names, future plans together 4. **The Crisis**: After weeks or months, an "emergency" happens — medical bills, stuck overseas, business problem 5. **The Ask**: Request for money via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards 6. **The Cycle**: Once you pay, more emergencies follow **They never meet in person.** There's always an excuse: military deployment, working on oil rig, visa issues, COVID complications.

How Scammers Make Contact

Dating appsSocial mediaEmailWhatsApp

2Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • Profile seems too good to be true — very attractive, successful, perfect match
  • Claims to be military, doctor overseas, or working on oil rig
  • Falls in love quickly without meeting you
  • Always has excuses why they can't video chat or meet
  • Asks for money for any reason — emergency, plane ticket, business deal
  • Requests payment via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards
  • Photos don't match when you reverse image search
  • Writing style seems inconsistent or scripted

3Real-World Example

"I met 'David' on a dating site. He was a widowed surgeon working with the UN in Syria. We talked every day for four months. He said he loved me and wanted to marry me. Then he needed $30,000 for a medical emergency. I sent it. Then he needed more for his visa, then for shipping his belongings. I sent over $100,000 before my daughter showed me his photos were stolen from a Spanish model's Instagram."

— FBI IC3 Romance Scam Report

4How to Protect Yourself

  • Reverse image search their profile photos
  • Insist on video calls early in the relationship
  • Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
  • Be suspicious of anyone who falls in love before meeting you
  • Research their claimed profession — military service can be verified
  • Tell friends and family about online relationships — get outside perspective
  • Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is

5What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Stop all contact with the scammer immediately
  2. 2Don't send any more money, no matter what they say
  3. 3Save all communications and evidence
  4. 4Report to the dating app or social media platform
  5. 5Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  6. 6Report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
  7. 7Talk to someone you trust — romance scam victims need support
  8. 8Be aware of recovery scams — people claiming they can get your money back

Report This Scam

FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft

?Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romance Scam?

Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, build romantic relationships, then ask for money for emergencies or investments. Romance scammers create attractive, fake profiles and build emotional connections before asking for money. **The Pattern:** 1. **The Profile**: Attractive photos (often stolen from models or military personnel), claims to be widowed, in military, or working overseas 2. **The Love Bombing**: Intense...

How common is this type of scam?

Romance Scam is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: $1.1 billion (FTC 2024). This primarily targets Single adults of all ages, especially 50+.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report this?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.

Sources & References

FTC: Romance ScamsFBI: Romance Scam Warning

Related Scams

Pig Butchering Scam

Long-con investment scam combining romance and crypto fraud where scammers "fatten" victims before "slaughtering" them financially.

Military Romance Scam

Scammers pose as deployed military service members, using stolen photos and stories to build romantic relationships and request money.

Sextortion Scam

Scammers threaten to release intimate images or videos unless you pay them, whether or not they actually have any such material.

Think You've Encountered This Scam?

Use our free AI scanner to analyze suspicious messages, websites, or phone numbers.

Scan Now — It's Free