Short answer: a romance scammer builds a relationship online and then, sooner or later, needs money: for a ticket, a medical bill, customs fees or an "investment". If someone you have never met in person asks for money, gift cards or crypto, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.
Warning signs
- They fall in love very quickly and want to move to WhatsApp or Telegram.
- They always have a reason not to video call or meet.
- Their photos look professional, or appear elsewhere when you search them with Google Lens.
- A crisis appears that only your money can solve.
- They introduce a "great investment" or crypto platform.
What to do
- Stop sending money, however convincing the story.
- Reverse-search their photos.
- Talk to a friend you trust; scammers rely on secrecy.
- Report the profile to the platform and to the Cyber Security Authority on 292, and report their number or handle on TrustCheck.
Investment pitches from online partners are covered in fake investment platforms.
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