--- title: "Romance scam signs: is your match real? | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/romance-scams source: TapSafely description: "An online partner who can't meet or video call, then needs money. Learn the warning signs of romance scams and how to talk to someone you're worried about." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/ Romance scams # Romance scams They're attentive, kind and seem perfect. They can't quite meet yet because of work overseas. Weeks or months later, a crisis needs money, or an investment opportunity comes up that they want to share with you. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 · 3 min read ## In short An online partner who can't meet or video call, then needs money. Learn the warning signs of romance scams and how to talk to someone you're worried about. **Top warning signs:** Can't video call or meet; Moves fast emotionally; Any request for money, gift cards or crypto. **First thing to do:** Do a reverse image search of their photos. Stolen images often turn up under other names. Example · Dating app → WhatsApp · Illustrative, links disabled Daniel My love, I miss you so much. I finally finished my contract on the oil rig but customs are holding my gold and I need to pay the release fee before I can fly to you. I would never ask if I had another way. Can you help me, sweetheart? An example scam message with the warning signs highlighted. ## How the scam works Romance scammers use stolen photos and invented jobs that explain why they are far away: military posts, offshore engineering, international medicine. They move quickly to private chat and talk every day. Money requests start small or come as a “chance to invest together”. They always come with a reason why video calls or meetings keep falling through. ## Red flags to look for - **Can't video call or meet.** Excuses every time: bad connection, camera broken, security rules. - **Moves fast emotionally.** Declarations of love within days or weeks. - **Any request for money, gift cards or crypto.** Including “investing together” or paying fees for them. - **Stories about customs, inheritances or frozen accounts.** Classic script elements. ## What to do if you get one 1. Do a reverse image search of their photos. Stolen images often turn up under other names. 2. Insist on a live video call before any further contact. Genuine people agree. 3. Talk to a friend you trust. Scammers try to isolate you. ## Worried about a friend or parent? Arguing about whether the partner is real often pushes people closer to the scammer. Ask gentle questions instead: “Have you seen them on video?” “What would happen if you said no to this payment?” Offer to do a photo search together. ## If you already paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. Stop sending money and report to your bank and the police. 2. Report the profile to the dating site or app. 3. Be kind to yourself. These criminals are professionals, and victims are often smart, generous people. More help: [what to do after a scam, and where to report it in your country](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask They sent me a photo of their ID. Is that proof? No. Fake and stolen ID images are easy to find or create. ## Official sources and further reading We check our guides against advice from government agencies and consumer protection bodies. - [What To Know About Romance Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams) (US Federal Trade Commission) - [Relationship scams](https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/relationship-scams) (Scamwatch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) - [Romance fraud](https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/romance-fraud/) (Report Fraud, UK police) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### On this page 1. [How it works](#how) 2. [Red flags](#red-flags) 3. [What to do](#what-to-do) 4. [Worried about a friend or parent?](#s0) 5. [If you already paid](#already-paid) 6. [Questions](#faq) 7. [Sources](#sources) ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report?category=romance) ## Related guides [Guide ### Crypto and investment scams Guaranteed returns, deepfake celebrity ads and platforms that won't let you withdraw. How investment scams work and how … Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/crypto-investment-scams)[Guide ### Fund-recovery scams After a scam, people are often targeted again by fake lawyers, hackers or agencies promising to recover lost money for a… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/recovery-scams)[Guide ### AI voice-clone emergency calls Scammers can now copy a family member's voice with AI and call you with a fake emergency. Learn the signs and the simple… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/ai-voice-clone-calls)