Many of us turn to online dating in search of love, hoping to finally meet “the one.” But as romantic as it sounds, things don’t always go as planned.
You might assume the worst thing you’ll encounter online is a few overeager catfish—but the truth is far darker.
Online romance scammers prey on hopeful singles, exploiting their emotions to steal money. And their methods are getting smarter, slicker, and much harder to spot.
Read more : 24 Clear Signs You’re in a Fake Relationship
What You Should Know About Romance Scams
Romance scams have become a major global issue—and they’re growing fast.
In the U.S. alone, reports of online romance scams nearly tripled between 2015 and 2019, with victims losing a staggering $201 million to fraudsters.
These scams aren’t limited to America, though. Scammers operate worldwide, taking advantage of how easy it is to hide behind a screen.
Here’s how their typical operation works:
- They build a relationship online but never meet in person.
- Over time, they gain the victim’s trust and eventually ask for money, gifts, or “investments.”
- They may send small gifts in return—but in the end, they always take far more than they give.
Common Types of Romance Scams
Most romance scammers target people who are elderly, lonely, or emotionally vulnerable. They usually craft a convincing story about why they can’t meet face-to-face—perhaps they’re working abroad or recovering from a traumatic past involving an “abusive ex.”
They present themselves as the perfect partner: kind, romantic, ambitious, and, of course, very attractive.
Typically, they’ll dive deep into the “relationship” quickly, expressing love or commitment early to make their victim feel emotionally attached.
In one classic case, a scammer managed to convince a woman that he wanted to marry her—despite the fact that they had never met in person.
Read more: How to Find a Husband in 20 Ways
Once the emotional connection is strong enough, the scam begins.
Maybe the scammer claims they’re traveling abroad and something goes wrong—like losing their luggage or getting mugged. Maybe they’re fleeing an abusive relationship, or suddenly need help paying rent after being robbed.
Whatever the excuse, the goal is always the same: to ask for money. As time passes, the requests become more frequent and urgent, with the amounts growing larger each time.
New Technology, New Kinds of Scams
For years, scammers primarily used social media platforms like Facebook to find victims. But random friend requests from strangers soon raised red flags for most people.
Now, these criminals have adapted. They often lurk on free dating sites and apps, where users are actively seeking love—and are therefore more open and trusting.
A common piece of advice is to do a reverse Google image search on their photos. Sometimes it works and reveals that your “match” isn’t who they claim to be. But not always.
In one recent case, a scammer even conducted video calls with his victim. Her friends saw them chatting and didn’t suspect a thing—but it was all an illusion.
Using AI technology, the scammer created a realistic, computer-generated face and held convincing real-time conversations.
Fraudsters also use sophisticated software to forge “proof” of their stories—fake bank statements, official documents, or museum donation receipts—all designed to look completely authentic.
How to Spot the Warning Signs
Avoiding scammers often starts with knowing where they hide. They typically stick to free dating sites or social networks, where anyone can create a profile without verification.
Here are some major red flags that might mean your online romance isn’t real:
1. They Never Meet You in Person
It’s normal not to meet right away—but if weeks or months go by and your “partner” always has an excuse, it’s time to be suspicious.
Read more : 17 Signs Someone Is Hiding Their Feelings for You
2. Their Plans to Meet Always Fall Through
Often, the excuses are dramatic: they get into an accident on the way to the airport or have a sudden family emergency. One missed meeting might be believable, but repeated incidents are a clear warning.
3. Their Photos Don’t Look Natural
Many scammers use stolen or edited pictures. If every photo looks overly polished, professional, or like it came from LinkedIn—or, on the other hand, looks too “model-like”—you should be cautious.
4. Their Story Doesn’t Add Up
Maybe they claim to be a college graduate, but their messages are full of spelling errors. Or they mention working in one city, but their social media activity says otherwise.
Do a bit of online digging to verify what they say—it could save you from heartbreak and financial loss.
5. They Fall in Love Way Too Fast
If someone starts saying “I love you” or talking about marriage within a few days or weeks, that’s a major red flag. Genuine love takes time, and anyone rushing it online might have an ulterior motive.
