Romance fraud can involve fake identities, stolen photographs, fabricated emergencies, investment pitches, requests for secrecy, or long-term emotional grooming.
Warning signs include refusing live verification, inconsistent personal details, sudden crises, pressure to move money, requests involving cryptocurrency or gift cards, and attempts to isolate you from skeptical friends.
Preserve messages, payment records, usernames, and dates. Contact your bank quickly if money moved. Report suspected fraud through appropriate law-enforcement and consumer-protection channels. Do not confront a suspected scammer in a way that puts you at risk.