What is a romance scam?
A romance scam, also known as an online dating scam, is when a person is tricked into believing they’re in a romantic
relationship with someone they met online. In fact, their “other half” is a cybercriminal using a fake identity to gain
enough of their victim’s trust to ask — or blackmail — them for money.
Often, the advances start on dating sites or apps. But they’ve increasingly begun on social media, too.
Warning signs: Lies romance scammers tellThey’re far, far awayTheir profile seems too good to be trueThe relationship moves fastThey break promises to visitThey claim they need moneyThey ask for specific payment methods
10 tips to avoid romance scammers and protect yourselfBe aware of the warning signsEvaluate your online presenceApproach online relationships slowlySet up a phone or video chat earlyDon’t send compromising picturesDo your own snooping, like a reverse image searchNever pay someone you haven’t met, especially someone onlineIf they ask for help, refer them elsewhereAsk someone you trust for a second opinionStop communicating and report the incidentReferences