Romance Fraud9 min read19 July 2026
Romance Fraud on Dating Apps: How to Protect Yourself
Dating apps are a major hunting ground for romance fraudsters. Learn how to spot fake profiles, recognise the warning signs of fraud, and what to do if you think you're being scammed.
Dating apps can be misused by romance fraudsters who create convincing profiles and build trust before making a request for money. Verify a new contact slowly and independently, particularly before moving a conversation or sending funds.
How Dating App Romance Fraud Works
Fraudsters create convincing fake profiles using stolen photographs — often of attractive professionals, military personnel, or doctors. They invest significant time in building a genuine-feeling relationship, often communicating daily for weeks or months before any mention of money. This process is sometimes called "grooming" or, in the context of crypto investment scams, "pig butchering."
Common Profile Red Flags
- Profile photos look professional or model-like — reverse image search them on Google
- Claims to work abroad (military, oil rig, doctor with MSF, engineer on overseas contract)
- Moves very quickly to declare love or deep feelings
- Always has an excuse not to video call, or video quality is suspiciously poor
- Asks to move communication off the dating app to WhatsApp or email quickly
The Money Request
Once trust is established, a crisis emerges: a medical emergency, a legal problem, a business opportunity, or a customs fee to release a package. The initial request is usually small. If paid, further requests follow, each with a plausible explanation. The fraudster may even send small gifts early in the relationship to build credibility.
Pig Butchering Scams
A growing variant combines romance fraud with cryptocurrency investment fraud. After building a relationship, the fraudster introduces a "secret" investment platform where they have made significant profits. They guide the victim through making small investments that show impressive returns on a fake dashboard. When the victim invests a large sum, the platform disappears.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Contact | Fake profile matches with victim |
| Grooming | Weeks of daily communication, emotional investment |
| Introduction | Investment opportunity or crisis introduced |
| Small wins | Victim sees profits on fake platform |
| Big investment | Victim transfers large sum |
| Exit | Platform disappears, fraudster cuts contact |
What to Do
If you suspect you are being defrauded, stop all contact and do not send more money. Talk to a trusted person, report the account to the dating platform, contact your bank if you have transferred money, and use Report Fraud to report the incident.
Suspicious about someone you met on a dating app? Paste their profile URL, email, or phone number into ScammersCheck for an instant check.
Check anything suspicious instantly
Paste a phone number, URL, email address, or suspicious message — get an input-aware risk indicator with transparent evidence and limitations. No signup required.
Check Now — It's Free