If You Are Searching for Love, Don't Fall for Online Dating Scams That Prey on Your Heart

It is easy to fall for a scam if you fall for an Internet “sweetheart” who only wants to steal your money, not your heart

Have you used online dating to find true love? If so, you are not alone. According to Pew Research, about thirty percent of Americans have tried online dating since the first dating sites appeared. That means millions of people are looking for love and millions are potential targets for scammers who exploit the desire to find a partner.

A fake profile is just the beginning

Romance scams are one of the darkest sides of online dating. Scammers use stolen photos and fabricated personal details to create convincing profiles on popular dating sites. Through email, messaging apps, and text messages, they build relationships with people who may be so eager for love that they ignore warning signs. Once the relationship feels serious, the scammer makes a request for money or another favor.

Common ploys

Scammers often claim to be traveling abroad for business and say they have run into financial or medical trouble. Some promise to meet in person but request money for travel. Others use video chats to convince victims to perform sexual acts, then use the recordings to blackmail the victim into paying to keep the videos private.

Staggering losses

Thousands of people fall victim to romance scams each year. The average victim loses about $26,000, and most are over the age of 40. The scam is so widespread in the military community that the U.S. Army has a dedicated website to help prevent these crimes.

Red flags and warning signs

Unrealistic photos and profiles: If the person in the photo looks like a model, question whether it is really them. If the profile sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of anyone who hints at great wealth or sudden financial windfalls. Ask for a quick selfie doing a specific action, such as a thumbs up or peace sign, to verify identity.

Inconsistent or vague communication: Generic or repetitive responses can indicate you are dealing with an organized scam operation. Dating websites often monitor internal messaging for suspicious activity. While many online relationships eventually move to personal communication methods like phone or email, be cautious if someone wants to move too quickly and asks for personal information.

Requests for money or favors: Never send money to someone you have not met in person and cannot verify. No matter how much you think you know them, they are still a stranger. Avoid sending money through wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards. Scammers favor these methods because the funds are untraceable and cannot be recovered once sent.

What to do if you suspect a romance scam

If you think you are dealing with a scammer, stop all communication immediately. Do not send money, personal information, or photos. Save any messages, photos, and contact details as evidence. Report the profile to the dating site or app so it can be investigated and removed.

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and notify your state’s consumer protection agency. If you have already sent money, contact your bank or credit card company as soon as possible to see if there is any chance of reversing the transaction. If gift cards or wire transfers were used, contact the company that issued the card or processed the transfer, but be aware that recovery is unlikely.

If you have been threatened with the release of explicit images, contact local law enforcement. You can also reach out to the VictimConnect Resource Center for confidential help and guidance. Acting quickly can limit your losses and protect others from being targeted.

Quick tips to stay safe

• Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
• Verify photos with a quick, specific selfie request.
• Keep personal details private until you are certain of someone’s identity.
• Be cautious if someone quickly professes love or pushes for personal contact.
• Report suspicious profiles to the dating platform immediately.
• Trust your instincts, if something feels off, step back and reassess.