Online connections can be genuine, but trust should develop gradually. Use this guide to recognise common warning signs and protect yourself without becoming cynical about every new person you meet.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY GUIDES
Start with the risk that concerns you most
Romance scam red flags
Recognise emotional manipulation, identity inconsistencies and financial pressure.
Verify someone safely
Use reasonable identity checks without demanding documents or invading privacy.
Requests for money
Understand why online payment requests are risky and what to do after paying.
Immediate warning signs
- Requests for money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, tickets or financial rescue.
- Repeated reasons why live video calls or in-person meetings cannot happen.
- Pressure to move away from a dating platform before trust is established.
- Stories designed to create secrecy, urgency, guilt or fear.
- Inconsistent personal details, copied photographs or an unusually polished life story.
Protect your identity and finances
- Keep banking details, passwords, identity documents and verification codes private.
- Do not allow somebody to move money through your account.
- Use reverse-image searching and live video to help verify identity.
- Tell a trusted person about the relationship and listen when they raise concerns.
- Slow down whenever somebody tries to rush commitment or financial involvement.
Meeting in person
Meet in a public place, arrange your own transport, tell somebody where you will be and keep control of your accommodation, money and travel documents. Avoid becoming dependent on a person you have only recently met.
Never send money to prove your love
A healthy relationship does not require financial rescue, secrecy from family or repeated payments to solve emergencies. Stop, verify independently and seek advice before sending anything.
If you think you have been targeted
Stop further payments, contact your bank or payment provider immediately, preserve messages and transaction records, secure your accounts and report the profile to the relevant platform. Consider reporting the incident to the appropriate fraud or law-enforcement service in your country.
This page provides general informational guidance and is not a substitute for legal, financial, safeguarding or emergency advice.