What To Do If You Fell For a Romance Scam

🚨 Immediate Actions

• 01Stop all communication with the person immediately
• 02Do not send any more money regardless of their story
• 03Save all messages, photos, and transaction records as evidence
• 04Report the profile on the platform where you met them

🔐 If You Shared Personal Information

• 01Change passwords on all accounts the person may have learned about
• 02Enable two-factor authentication on your email and financial accounts
• 03Monitor your credit report for unauthorized activity
• 04Be alert for follow-up scams — romance scam victims are often targeted again

💸 If You Sent Money

• 01Contact your bank immediately and report the transactions as fraud
• 02If you wired money, contact the wire transfer company to request a reversal
• 03File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• 04Report to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
• 05If you sent gift cards, contact the gift card company with receipt details

🔍 How This Scam Works

Romance scams involve fake identities on dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms. Scammers build emotional connections over weeks or months before requesting money for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or investment opportunities. They use stolen photos and fabricated stories.

🛡️ How To Avoid This Scam In The Future

• 01Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
• 02Reverse-image-search profile photos to check if they're stolen
• 03Be wary of people who avoid video calls or in-person meetings
• 04Don't share financial details with online romantic interests
• 05If someone asks for money for an emergency, verify independently

Official Reporting Resources

• FTC Report Fraud →
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center →
• IdentityTheft.gov →