Overview
Romance scammers create fake relationships to build trust before convincing victims to send money or cryptocurrency. They typically make contact through dating apps, social media, or messaging apps, presenting themselves as a potential friend or romantic partner.
Over time, the scammer develops an emotional connection and eventually asks for financial help or introduces what looks like a legitimate cryptocurrency investment opportunity. The relationship is fake, and the goal is to steal money.
How romance scams work
Building trust
Romance scammers spend days, weeks, or even months building trust with their victims. They communicate frequently, express strong emotions quickly, and make promises about meeting in person or building a future together — while consistently avoiding an actual in-person meeting, often citing work, military deployment, or travel.
The ask
Once trust is established, the scammer begins asking for money or steering you toward a cryptocurrency investment. They may claim insider knowledge, a successful trading strategy, or access to a trusted platform that generates significant returns. In some cases they ask for money directly. In others, they guide you through buying cryptocurrency and sending it to a wallet or platform they control.
Common tactics scammers use
Scammers may:
Create fake dating or social media profiles using stolen photos
Build trust by communicating regularly and expressing affection quickly
Avoid meeting in person with recurring excuses
Claim to be successful investors, or introduce a "friend" or relative who can give investment advice
Encourage you to purchase cryptocurrency and invest through fake platforms
Promise guaranteed or unusually high returns
Ask for emergency financial help for medical bills, travel expenses, business problems, or customs fees
Pressure you to keep the relationship or investment opportunity secret
What victims are told to do
Scammers may instruct you to:
Move the conversation from a dating app or social media platform to WhatsApp or Telegram
Create or access a cryptocurrency account
Purchase cryptocurrency
Transfer cryptocurrency to a wallet or investment platform controlled by the scammer
Keep investing larger amounts to increase profits or unlock withdrawals
Send money for emergencies, travel, or other fabricated personal situations
Important: Genuine romantic partners and legitimate investment opportunities will not pressure you to send cryptocurrency or invest quickly based on a personal relationship.
What actually happens
Money sent goes directly to the scammer
Cryptocurrency is transferred to wallets the scammer controls
Deposits into fake investment platforms display fabricated profits
Additional payments, taxes, or withdrawal fees are demanded before you can access supposed earnings
The scammer disappears once payments stop or you become suspicious
Note: Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, which means funds sent to a scammer are typically not recoverable.
How to protect yourself
Be cautious of online relationships that move very quickly or become emotionally intense in a short period
Be suspicious if someone you've never met asks for money or encourages you to invest
Never send cryptocurrency or money to someone based solely on an online relationship
Be wary of anyone who guarantees investment returns or claims to have insider knowledge
Verify photos and identities where possible, and be cautious of anyone who repeatedly avoids meeting in person
Talk to a trusted friend or family member if an online relationship begins involving money or investment opportunities
Tip: If you believe you've been targeted, stop sending money immediately and report the account to the dating platform, social media service, or messaging app where the scammer contacted you.
FAQs
How can I tell if an online relationship is a scam?
How can I tell if an online relationship is a scam?
Warning signs include rapid declarations of love, consistent excuses to avoid meeting in person, and any request for money or cryptocurrency investment.
What should I do if I've already sent money?
What should I do if I've already sent money?
Stop all further payments, report the account to the platform involved, and report the fraud to local law enforcement. Cryptocurrency transactions are typically not reversible.
Can a legitimate partner ask me to invest in crypto together?
Can a legitimate partner ask me to invest in crypto together?
Be extremely cautious of any investment suggestion tied to a relationship you've only had online, particularly if you haven't met in person.