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Romance Scam

Scammers pretend to be interested in a romantic relationship with you. This usually happens on online dating sites, but also on social media or by email. They wait to gain your trust, sometimes for weeks or months. Then they tell you a story and ask you for money, gifts or bank/credit card details. If you do not send money, they may try to blackmail you. If you do send money, they will ask for more.

How to spot a romance scam?

  • Messages are often poorly written and vague.
  • The person’s online profile does not match what they are telling you.
  • You may also be asked to send intimate photos or videos of yourself.
  • The person always has an excuse that the webcam is not working, that he or she cannot travel to meet you and that he or she always needs more money.

How to avoid this type of scam?

  • Be very careful how much personal information you share on social networks and dating sites.
  • Always consider the risks. Scammers are present on the most reputable sites.
  • Take it easy and ask questions.
  • Research the person’s photo and profile online to see if the material has been used elsewhere.
  • Look out for spelling and grammatical errors, inconsistencies in their stories and excuses such as their camera never works.
  • Don’t share personal photos, videos or any other compromising material that scammers could use later to blackmail you.
  • If you agree to meet in person, tell your family and friends where you are going.
  • Beware of requests for money. Never send money or give out credit card details, online accounts or copies of important personal documents.
  • Avoid any arrangement with a stranger who asks for advance payment by money order, bank transfer, international money transfer, pre-loaded card or crypto-currencies. It is rare to recover money sent in this way.
  • Do not transfer money for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.

If you fall victim to a romance scam

  • Don’t feel embarrassed, this scam happens more often than you can imagine.
  • Stop all contact immediately.
  • If possible, keep all communications (such as chat messages) and any evidence that could help identify the scammer.
  • File a complaint with the police.
  • Report the incident to the site where you were first approached by the scammer. Let them know the name of the scammer’s profile and any other details that may help them prevent others from being scammed.
  • If you have given your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.