Romance Scams. Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet

Looking for love online can be exciting, but it also comes with serious risks. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams are among the costliest types of fraud, with victims reporting more than $1.3 billion in losses in 2022 alone. Scammers use emotional manipulation to steal money, personal information, and sometimes even identities, leaving victims heartbroken and financially devastated.

How Romance Scams Work
Romance scams often start on dating apps or social media platforms. The scammer creates a fake profile using stolen photos and carefully crafted stories to seem genuine. Once trust is established, the fraudster claims to face an emergency—such as medical expenses, travel problems, or a family crisis—and asks the victim for money. These schemes may also involve gift card requests, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or bank account details.

One key red flag is the scammer’s reluctance to meet in person or video chat. They often claim to work overseas or serve in the military, making it easy to explain away their absence.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• They profess love quickly and try to move the relationship forward fast.
• They avoid meeting in person or making live video calls.
• They ask for money for emergencies, travel, or investments. Sometimes, they also use a different profile to pose as the travel agent or delivery company to get additional funds.
• They pressure you to keep the relationship private, discouraging you from telling friends or family.

How to Stay Safe

• Take it slow: Genuine relationships take time to build. Be cautious of anyone rushing intimacy.
• Verify their identity: Do a reverse image search of profile photos and check their story for inconsistencies.
• Don’t move to a different platform. While the contact typically begins via private message on popular platforms, the scammers often encourage the victim to move to another “more private” and less monitored one which makes it easier for them to take advantage.
• Never send money or gift cards: If someone you’ve never met asks for money, it’s a scam.
• Talk to someone you trust: If you’re unsure about a relationship, ask a friend or family member for perspective.
• Report suspicious profiles: Use BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help others avoid falling victim.

“Romance scams are particularly harmful because they prey on trust and emotion,” says Mechele Mills, President & CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “Staying cautious, asking questions, and never sending money to someone you haven’t met are the best defenses. If something feels off, it probably is.”

Why It Matters
Romance scams don’t just cost money—they shatter trust and confidence. Staying alert and informed is the best defense. If you believe you’ve been targeted, cut off communication immediately and report the scam to the FTC and BBB Scam Tracker.

For more information and resources on avoiding romance scams, visit:
👉 BBB.org/romance-scams

About BBB: BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.