Romance Scams 

In romance scams, a criminal uses a fake online identity to gain a victim's affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.

The scammer wants to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.

The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. Con artists are present on most dating and social media sites.

Scam artists often say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.

If someone you meet online needs your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using your account to carry out other theft and fraud schemes.

Stock graphic of computer keyboard with broken heart key and USB wrapped in money illustrating online romance scams.

Report Romance Scams


Visit ic3.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), to report romance scams.

If you've been victimized, stop all contact with the scammer immediately.

Protect Yourself 

  • Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
  • Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.
  • Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
  • Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
  • Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
  • Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
  • Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.


News and Resources 

Videos and Podcasts

Glenda, an 81-year-old victim of a romance scam, describes how she became a money mule and is now paying the price. She pleaded guilty on November 2, 2021 for two federal crimes.

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The victim of a romance scam describes how she was duped out of $2 million by an online suitor she has never met.

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Christine Beining, a special agent in the FBI's Houston Division, describes how scam artists use Internet sites to prey on lonely individuals to get to their money.

Transcript / Visit Video Source

Inside the FBI Podcast: Romance Scams

Inside the FBI Podcast: Romance Scams

On this episode of Inside the FBI, we discuss romance scams and how you can protect your heart and your bank account.

Inside the FBI Podcast: For the Love of Money

Inside the FBI Podcast: For the Love of Money

On this episode of Inside the FBI, we discuss how romance scammers talk their targets out of money—including gift cards and cryptocurrency—and how to protect yourself from these schemes.

Inside the FBI Podcast: Breaking Up with Scammers

Inside the FBI Podcast: Breaking Up with Scammers

On this episode of Inside the FBI, learn how to recognize verification schemes that target people who use online dating platforms, and what to do if you fall victim to one of these scams.

News

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