The "online sweetheart" scam
This one starts with kind words and warm feelings. You meet someone online. They seem perfect. The catch comes later. Their love turns into a request for money.
Step 1 See what it looks like
This is a made-up example to teach you. We will never show you a real person’s message.
Step 2 Find the red flags
- 1
“we are soulmates already”
Fast, strong feelings can build trust. Speed alone does not prove intent.
- 2
“text on my private number”
Leaving the app can mean losing some of its safety tools.
- 3
“My camera is broken”
An excuse may be a warning. A video call would not prove the story either.
- 4
“need 500 dollars in gift cards”
A gift-card demand from an online love interest is a serious warning.
- 5
“Please do not tell your family”
Secrecy stops you getting an outside view. You can ask someone you trust.
Step 3 See why it works
Warm words can make a request feel personal. Photos and voices can be faked too. A caring tone does not prove a story is true.
- Pause the chat. Do not pay.
- Do not send money or invest through an online love interest you have not met.
- Keep bank details, passwords, and codes private.
- You can search for a photo to see if it was copied. Finding no match does not prove the profile is real.
- Talk to someone you trust outside the chat.
- Block and report a suspect profile through the app.
- If you paid, call your bank or card company now. Keep receipts. Ask what can be stopped or recovered.
Do not send money to an online love interest you have not met. A face or voice is not proof.