Love Scams: When an Online Romance Is After Your Money

In a love scam, a stranger builds an online romantic relationship with you — often over weeks or months — purely to extract money. They may claim to be working overseas, in the military or on an oil rig, and always have a reason they cannot meet or video-call.

How the scam works

After winning your affection, the scammer invents a crisis: a medical emergency, a business problem, customs fees for a "gift parcel" said to contain cash or jewellery, or a lucrative investment they want to share with you. Each request is followed by another, and the relationship continues only as long as money keeps flowing.

Warning signs

They profess strong feelings very quickly but always avoid video calls or meeting in person.
Their photos look like a model or are reused from elsewhere online.
A "parcel" is stuck and you must pay customs, tax or a courier fee to release it.
Any request for money, gift cards, or your banking details.
They want to move the chat to a private app and keep the relationship secret.

How to protect yourself

Never send money or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
Do a reverse image search of their photos to check for reuse.
Insist on a live video call early; scammers will keep making excuses.
No genuine courier or customs office asks a stranger to pay fees into a personal account.

If you have already sent money

Stop contact and stop all payments. Call 997, report to your bank, and preserve the chat history and transfer records. There is no shame in being targeted — reporting quickly helps you and others.