Romance scams: warning signs and what to do

A romance scammer builds trust over weeks on a dating app or social media, then invents an emergency or an investment and asks for money.

Warning signs

• They fall in love very fast and move the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram.
• They never video call or meet in person, and their photos look too perfect.
• A crisis: a sick relative, a stuck shipment, a customs fee, a plane ticket.
• A request for gift cards, crypto or a bank transfer, or an 'investment opportunity'.
• Their story has gaps and changes when you ask questions.

What to do

• Do a reverse image search of their photos.
• Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you have not met.
• Check the profile link or phone number in HackFraud.
• Talk to a friend or relative. Scammers rely on secrecy.

If you already clicked or paid

• Stop sending money and cut off contact. Do not confront them.
• Tell your bank and the police, and report the profile to the platform.
• Be wary of people offering to recover your money for a fee.

Report it: in Greece, contact the Cyber Crime Division (cyber.gr, tel. 11188). Elsewhere, contact your local police and your bank.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a dating profile is fake?

Look for stolen photos, an unwillingness to video call, very fast declarations of love and requests for money.

Can HackFraud check a profile?

Yes. Choose Profile and paste the profile link or handle, or paste the messages you received.

More guides

• How to spot a phishing email or text
• Fake delivery and parcel scams (courier SMS)
• Bank impersonation and 'safe account' scams
• Crypto and investment scams: how to spot them

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Last updated: 2026-10-18. Verified by many HackFraud checks. If in doubt, confirm through the organisation's official website or phone number.