Romance & relationships

Long-term romance confidence scams

A fabricated romantic identity offers sustained attention before asking for loans, housing money, or joint investments.

A black-and-white photograph of two people talking on a street

If you have one minute

Pause, then verify independently.

Identity cannot be independently verified

Before paying

Do not pay before verifying the relationship

See verification steps →

If you paid or shared details

Stop loans and transfers

See response steps →

Start with these three signs

  • Identity cannot be independently verified
  • Repeatedly postpones meeting in person
  • Links affection to payment

How the situation unfolds

  1. Contact

    Dating platforms, social contacts, and interest communities.

  2. The lure

    A serious relationship and a shared future.

  3. The demand and outcome

    Frequent contact builds intimacy, then financial support becomes a supposed test of affection.

Verify these things before paying

  1. Do not pay before verifying the relationship
  2. Discuss the relationship with trusted people
  3. Check profile photos and identity clues

Already engaged or paid?

  1. Stop loans and transfers
  2. Review events with a trusted person
  3. Notify your bank and report the profile

Contact your payment provider and local police promptly. The responsible institution must confirm whether a payment can be stopped, disputed or returned.

Keep these records

Dating profile
Relationship timeline
Requests for money
Payment history

Keep originals and organise working copies. Never give strangers verification codes, banking passwords, private keys or seed phrases.

Original references

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Publisher location:United States · EnglishOpen the original reference ↗https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams

This page summarises public prevention guidance to help recognise methods. It is not an enforcement conclusion about a particular incident. Check the source page for its original title. Procedures and reporting routes vary by jurisdiction. Compiled October 2026.