Romance scam warning signs: the red flags

Romance scammers follow a script. Once you know it, you can spot it early. These are the signs that the person you are chatting with may not be who they say they are.

They fall in love very fast

Within days they call you their soulmate and talk about a future together. Real feelings need time. Fast, intense attention is a technique to lower your guard before the first request comes.

They can never video call or meet

The camera is broken, the connection is bad, they are on a ship, an oil rig or a military base. Someone who has time to chat for hours but never to show their face for one minute is hiding something.

They want to leave the dating app quickly

Scammers move the conversation to a private chat app as soon as possible, away from the moderation and reporting tools of the platform. Stay on the app until you have seen the person on video.

Sooner or later it is about money

A hospital bill, a blocked bank account, customs fees for a package, or an investment that cannot fail. The amounts start small and grow. Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you have not met in person. If you already did, stop, keep the evidence and report it to your bank and the police.