Online romance scams are one of the fastest-growing types of digital fraud.
Scammers use emotional manipulation, fake photos, and long-term messaging to win trust — then slowly begin asking for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information.

This guide explains the red flags, real examples, and proven ways to stay safe.

 A romance scam happens when someone pretends to be interested in a relationship — but their real goal is money, personal information, or financial access.

Scammers often pose as:

• Military members stationed overseas
• Widows/widowers 
• Oil rig workers 
• Doctors working abroad 
• UN peacekeepers
• Engineers traveling internationally
   

Their profiles usually appear too good to be true — because they are.

 1. They fall in love FAST

Scammers often say things like:

“I feel so connected to you.”
“I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“You’re my soulmate.”
…and they say it within days.

__________________________________________

 2. They refuse video calls or live photos

Excuses include:

• “My camera is broken.” 
• “The Wi-Fi is bad.”
• “I’m in a secure military zone.”

If months go by with no video — it’s a scam.

 3. They ALWAYS have a tragic story

Common emotional hooks include:

• A sick child
• A dying parent
• A broken laptop
• A frozen bank account
• A legal issue
• A medical emergency

All designed to trigger sympathy.

 __________________________________________

4. They ask for money — directly or indirectly

Most requests fall into one of these categories:

💳 Gift cards
💸 Cash App / Zelle / Venmo transfers
🏦 Bank wire transfers
🪙 Crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT)
📦 Packages / shipments they want you to forward
🔐 Your personal information

__________________________________________

5. Their photos belong to someone else

Scammers steal pictures from:

• Instagram fitness models
• Russian or Eastern European influencers
• Military personnel
• Doctors’ LinkedIn profiles
• International actors or musicians

Reverse-image search will expose them fast.

Step 1 - They establish quick emotional intimacy 

Using affection, emojis, and long daily texts.

Step 2 - They isolate you from friends/family

“People won’t understand our connection.” “Don’t tell anyone yet… this is special.” 

Step 3 - They create a crisis

A sudden emergency appears out of nowhere.

Step 4 - They request financial help

This request often escalates into multiple demands.

Step 5 — They disappear (or restart the scam with a new identity)

■  

 This Thai Love Scam Made Me Destroy My 22 Year Marriage and Look Like a Fool! 

 Are You Dating a Scammer? How To Instantly Spot Romance Scams | Aura 

 Confronting Scammer Payback Impostors 

 Love Scams: A Mother Hooked By A Catfish | FULL EPISODE | Dr. Phil 

■ Online Boyfriend

 Widow Sends 401(k) to Online Boyfriend... Or Romance Scammer? 

Use:

• images.google.com
• tineye.com

If the photo appears across multiple sites → scam.

If they refuse more than once → scam.

Example request:

“Can you send me a photo holding up 3 fingers?”
“Can you send a picture with today’s date?”

Scammers can’t provide real-time photos.

Scammers forget details they’ve told you.
Take notes — you will spot the lies.

Romance scammers often:

• Write oddly formal messages
• Use poor grammar
• Use scripts you can find online
• Repeat phrases every few days

✔ Stop sending money immediately

Scammers will keep asking until you stop.

✔ Block them on all platforms

This prevents emotional manipulation.

✔ Change your passwords

If you shared ANY personal info.

✔ Freeze your credit (if identity info was shared)

• Equifax 
• TransUnion 
• Experian 

✔ Report the scam

• FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) 
• FBI IC3 (ic3.gov) 
• Your bank or credit union

All-in-one protection to keep you safe from identity theft, fraud, and online threats. Available for individuals and families. Works across devices.

👉 “Protect Yourself with Aura”

👉 Try Aura

______________________________

Blocks robocalls, spoofed numbers, and known scam call patterns.

Allows you to check if someone’s photos, addresses, or names are real.

“My love, I feel God brought us together. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“I’m traveling for work and my account is frozen. Can you help me with a small amount until I return?”
“Please don’t tell your family yet… they won’t understand our love.”

 You deserve relationships built on honesty, trust, and real connection — not manipulation.
If anything feels off, trust your instincts.
You’re not alone, and you’re not silly for being fooled — scammers target good people with good hearts.

Stay safe. Stay smart. Stay protected.