Online dating has made it easier to connect with people around the world. While many find genuine love and companionship, there’s a growing dark side romance scammers. These digital deceivers create fake identities and form emotional connections with one goal: to exploit your trust for personal gain.
Understanding the signs of a romance scammer is your best defense against falling victim. Whether you’re new to dating apps or have been in the online dating scene for years, recognizing suspicious behavior can save you from heartbreak—and financial loss.
What Is a Romance Scammer?
A romance scammer is someone who pretends to be romantically interested in you, usually through dating websites, social media, or messaging apps, to gain your affection and then manipulate you into sending money, personal information, or compromising content.
These scammers are skilled at playing emotional games. They know how to make you feel special, wanted, and deeply connected until the moment they ask for a favor that leads to deception.
10 Clear Signs of a Romance Scammer
Use the following signs as a guide to protect yourself and your heart online:
1. They Fall in Love Too Quickly
A romance scammer often declares love or serious emotional attachment within days or weeks. If someone is pushing for a fast commitment, be cautious it’s usually a setup.
2. They Avoid Video Calls or In-Person Meetings
Scammers make endless excuses to avoid video chats or real-life meetups. They may claim to be overseas for work, in the military, or on a mission. The avoidance is because their identity is fake.
3. They Ask for Money (Directly or Indirectly)
This is one of the most obvious red flags. They might ask for help with:
- A family emergency
- Travel expenses to visit you
- Hospital bills
- Business investments
If someone you’ve never met asks for money—it’s a scam.
4. Their Profile Seems Too Perfect
Romance scammers use stolen or professional-looking photos, often of attractive models or fake professionals. If their profile seems flawless with vague details, it’s likely a trap.
5. They Want to Move the Conversation Off the App
After just a few messages, they ask you to switch to WhatsApp, Telegram, email, or text. Dating platforms monitor conversations for safety. Scammers move off-app to avoid being caught.
6. Their Stories Don’t Add Up
One day they’re in London, the next in Dubai. Their timeline, job details, or family stories don’t make sense. Ask specific questions—scammers often fail to keep their lies straight.
7. They Use Emotional Pressure
They’ll guilt-trip you for not trusting them, saying things like “I thought you loved me” or “You’re my only hope.” This is manipulation aimed at breaking your resistance.
8. They Avoid Answering Personal Questions
Ask about their past, hobbies, or friends, and they give short, vague answers. Real connections grow through sharing—scammers reveal as little as possible.
9. They Reuse Scripts or Stories
Romance scammers often use the same fake sob stories across multiple victims. A reverse search of their messages or images may reveal online forums exposing similar scams.
10. They Ask for Personal Details or Intimate Content
Scammers may ask for private photos, videos, or personal information that can later be used for sextortion or blackmail.
What To Do If You Spot These Signs
If you believe you’re dealing with a romance scammer:
- Stop communication immediately block them on all platforms.
- Report the profile to the dating app or social media platform.
- Save screenshots of conversations for evidence.
- Do not send money or sensitive information under any circumstances.
- Report the incident to cybercrime authorities in your country.
In the U.S., use: reportfraud.ftc.gov
In the UK: actionfraud.police.uk
For more personal help and emotional support, visit DatingAdvisory.org where we guide individuals through online safety and scam recovery.
