Learn how romance scams work, how to spot impersonation, and how to protect yourself from online dating fraud
Romance scams might sound like something that only happens to someone else, but they’re one of the most common and emotionally devastating types of online fraud today. Every year, thousands of people are targeted by scammers who use fake online relationships to steal money, trust, and even identities. Whether it starts on a dating app or social media, these scams are carefully designed to manipulate your emotions and your wallet. Understanding how they unfold is the first step in protecting yourself.
How Do Romance Scams Usually Start?
Step 1: The Friendly First Message
You receive a message from someone who seems charming and genuinely interested. It often happens on apps like Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge, but scammers also reach out on Instagram, Facebook, or even LinkedIn.
Step 2: Building the Emotional Connection
They message regularly, ask about your day, and show consistent attention. The connection feels real fast. That emotional bond is what they count on later.
Step 3: Excuses to Avoid Meeting in Person
They always have a reason not to meet or video chat. Maybe they claim to be working abroad, deployed in the military, or going through something complex. These excuses are how scammers avoid revealing their true identity.
Step 4: Moving the Conversation to Private Messaging Apps
Once some trust is built, they suggest moving to WhatsApp, Telegram, or another private chat app. These platforms offer less visibility and make impersonation easier.
Step 5: The Sudden Crisis and the Ask for Money
Suddenly, they need help. A medical emergency. A frozen bank account. They’re stranded overseas. They ask for money and if you send it once, the requests usually don’t stop. Romance scammers are often skilled impersonators. They use stolen or AI-generated photos, fake profiles, and emotional manipulation to gain your trust. What may begin with a small request can spiral into thousands of dollars lost along with emotional damage.
Online Romance or Scam? Tips to Help You Decide
Stop Sending Money
If you’re even slightly unsure, pause any payments immediately. Scammers often push for more once they know you’re willing to help. One pause could save you thousands.
Ask Yourself: Have I Ever Met This Person in Real Life?
If you’ve never met in person and they keep avoiding it, that’s a serious red flag. Real relationships don’t live entirely behind a screen.
Can They Video Chat, or Are There Always Excuses?
Claiming poor signal, being shy, or too busy are common avoidance tactics. If they won’t get on a video call, they might not be who they say they are.
Run a Reverse Image Search on Their Photos
Many romance scammers use stolen photos. Use tools like Google Images or TinEye to see if their pictures are used elsewhere under different names.
Talk to Someone You Trust
It’s easy to miss warning signs when you’re emotionally involved. Share the situation with a friend, family member, or even a fraud expert. Outside perspective can be a lifesaver.
Watch for Inconsistencies and Emotional Pressure
Scammers slip up and their stories may change, timelines won’t match, or they’ll push hard emotionally. These red flags often go hand in hand with other online threats, so practicing safe browsing habits helps. Read our guide on Safe Browsing Tips: All You Need To Know to stay sharp.
Step Back and Review the Facts
Would you tell a friend to trust this situation? If not, you may already know the answer. Step out of the emotional fog and look clearly at what’s really happening.
How to Report a Fake Romance Scam
If you’ve already sent money through gift cards, bank transfers, crypto, or your credit card reach out to your bank or provider right away. Explain that you were scammed and ask if the payment can be reversed. Next, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also, notify the app or social platform where the scam started so they can investigate and take action against the impersonator.
MozoAI can analyze any suspicious message, link, or screenshot you share with it - whether it came from a dating app, social media, email, or a messaging platform.
Need Help Spotting a Romance Scam? MozoAI Can Help
MozoAI was built to help people protect themselves from scams, fraud, and impersonation especially in emotional moments when it’s easy to overlook the signs. Just share the message you received with MozoAI, and it will instantly analyze it to detect whether it's a scam or not. Best tip we can give: if something feels off, it probably is. For more expert tips on online safety, scam detection, and identity protection, visit Mozo Blog.
