4 Ways to Spot Romance Scams Online

From seniors on Facebook to teenagers on TikTok, the internet is a popular way to meet people for a reason. However, the rise of social media has also led to an increase in online romance scams, targeting those who might not be as familiar with the warning signs. So how can we protect our loved ones from these harmful scams? 

Here are 4 key ways to spot them before things go too far.  

Too Good to Be True? It Probably Is

If someone seems too perfect online, they probably are. Scammers often create profiles that look like they belong to a dream person—successful, attractive, charming, and seemingly looking for love. They may send lots of compliments, declare love quickly, and appear to have everything in common with you.  

While it’s possible to meet someone great online, be cautious if things seem too fast or too ideal. Genuine connections take time to develop, so if someone seems overly eager or is moving quickly to build a deep connection, take a step back and question their motives.

They’re Always “Too Busy” to Meet in Person

One of the biggest red flags of a romance scam is when the person is always “too busy” to meet in person. They may say they’re traveling for work or are in a location where meeting face-to-face isn’t possible. These excuses are designed to keep you emotionally invested without any real-life interaction.  

A healthy relationship involves getting to know the person in the real world, whether that’s through phone calls, video chats, or eventually meeting in person. If someone avoids this, especially after weeks of chatting, it’s likely they’re hiding something.  

They Ask for Money (or Personal Information)

The most obvious sign of a romance scam is when someone asks you for money, especially early in the relationship. After building a connection, they might claim to be in urgent need—whether it’s for medical bills, an emergency, or travel expenses—and ask for financial help. They’ll often promise to pay you back, but don’t count on it.  

Legitimate relationships don’t involve money exchanges, especially with someone you’ve never met in person. If they start asking for money or any sensitive personal information like banking details, it’s time to end the conversation and report the profile.  

Bonus Tip: Reverse Image Search 

If you have any doubts about someone’s profile, try doing a reverse image search. This lets you see if their photos appear on other websites or dating profiles, which could indicate that they’re using stolen images. If you find multiple accounts with the same pictures, it’s almost certain you’re dealing with a scammer.

By staying alert and encouraging our loved ones to follow these guidelines, we can help them enjoy online friendships and relationships without falling into a scammer’s trap. Stay cautious, and trust your instincts!