Romance scam - meaning and definition
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Definition
A romance scam is fraud in which a criminal builds a fake romantic relationship online to win trust and then obtain money or personal information.
At a glance
- Fraud built on a fake online romantic relationship.
- Scammers often claim to work abroad and avoid meeting in person.
- They move quickly to intense declarations of love.
- A sudden crisis or investment opportunity requiring money is a classic sign.
- Victims are not to blame; these schemes are run by skilled criminals.
In detail
Scammers often claim to work abroad, in the military or on an oil rig, move quickly to intense declarations of love, and avoid meeting in person. Eventually a crisis or investment opportunity appears that requires money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Consumer protection agencies advise never sending money to someone you have only met online, and talking to friends or family before doing so. Victims often feel ashamed, but these schemes are run by skilled criminals; reporting helps authorities and platforms stop them.
In a sentence
- My aunt nearly sent money to a man she met online before her bank warned her it looked like a romance scam.
- Never sending money to someone you've only met online is the simplest way to avoid a romance scam.
Common questions
What are the signs of a romance scam?
The person claims to be working abroad, in the military or on an oil rig, declares love very quickly, avoids video calls or meeting, and eventually asks for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency for an emergency or investment.
What should I do if I think I have been scammed?
Stop sending money, contact your bank straight away, keep all messages, and report it to the platform and to the police or consumer protection authority where you live. Feeling ashamed is common, but you are not to blame.
Related terms
Sources
- US Federal Trade CommissionWhat to know about romance scams