Love scam

A love scam, also called a romance scam, is when someone builds a fake romantic relationship, usually through a dating app, social media, or messaging, to gain a victim’s trust before asking for money.

The scammer often uses a stolen photo and a believable story, such as working overseas, in the military, or on an oil rig, which explains why they cannot meet in person. Trust is built over weeks or months before the first request for money appears.

Requests usually involve a sudden emergency, a customs fee, a medical bill, or an investment opportunity the scammer claims to have insider knowledge of. The relationship often continues after the first payment, leading to repeated transfers.

A partner you have never met in person who asks for money, however small, is a warning sign. Verify their identity independently and be cautious of any request tied to urgency or secrecy.

When it matters

Love scams often overlap with investment scams, where the romantic relationship is used to introduce a fake trading platform.