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Thinking of trying your luck with an online dating app, or getting to know someone you’ve met on social media? Before you do, make sure you know how to spot a romance scammer.

Here’s a typical romance scam: You meet someone on a site or app, and they want to move the conversation off the platform. You might talk or chat several times a day. But they can’t meet up. They might say they live far away, maybe for work or because they’re in the military. Eventually, they start asking for money — maybe for a plane ticket to visit you or emergency surgery. Or they might say they can help you invest your money in cryptocurrency or the stock market. It’s all a scam to get your money.

Never send money or gifts to a love interest you haven’t met in person. If you suspect a romance scam:

  • Talk to someone you trust. Do your friends or family say they’re concerned about your new love interest?
  • Search online for the type of job the person has plus the word “scammer.” Have other people posted similar stories?
  • Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. Is it associated with another name or with details that don’t match up?

Tell the FTC about romance scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Also notify the app or site where you met the scammer, too.

If you paid a scammer, your money might be gone already. No matter how you paid, it’s always worth asking the company you used to send the money if there’s a way to get it back. Read What To Do if You Were Scammed to learn more.

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