Romance Scam – When Affection Turns Into Financial Pressure | ScamPause
Romance scams build trust, then introduce money problems, emergencies, or investment opportunities.
Immediate Answer
If someone you met online is quickly becoming emotionally intense and then asking for money, this is likely a romance scam.
How This Scam Works
Scammers form relationships through dating apps, social media, or messaging apps. Once trust is built, they introduce a crisis (medical bills, travel, family emergencies) or push you into sending money through hard-to-reverse methods.
Signs This Is a Scam
- Fast emotional escalation or love-bombing
- Refusal to meet in person or constant excuses
- Requests for money, gift cards, crypto, or help moving funds
- Asking you to keep the relationship secret
- Inconsistencies in stories, photos, or location
What To Do Right Now
- Stop sending money and pause communication
- Preserve evidence: messages, usernames, photos, payment receipts
- Talk to a trusted person—scammers rely on isolation
- If you sent money via gift cards or crypto, do not send more to ‘fix’ it
- Report the profile on the platform where you met
If You Already Sent Money or Information
It may feel painful, but your priority is safety and preventing further loss. Change passwords if any accounts were shared. If personal details were given, consider freezing credit.
How To Protect Yourself Going Forward
Be cautious with new online relationships that introduce money, urgency, or secrecy. Verify identity through video calls and independent checks. A real relationship will not require you to pay to prove love or loyalty.
You Are Not Alone
Romance scams are engineered to manipulate emotions. Feeling attached is normal—and it does not mean you did anything wrong.