Fake love, real fraud: a deep dive into romance scams

In our increasingly online world, dating apps and DMs have become the new bars and coffee shops — it’s easier than ever to instantly click with people across the world. But this new landscape continues to be infiltrated by scammers who prey on people’s desires for connection, and their tactics are constantly evolving.

Falling victim to a fraudster who fakes an interest in a romantic relationship with you is called a romance scam. In this post, we’ll explain what they look like, as well as what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.

What are romance scams?

Romance scams target individuals looking for companionship online. These scams often involve fraudsters posing as prospective partners, using emotional manipulation to extract money, gifts, or personal information.

Never share passwords or personal information over DMs, and be wary of suspicious behaviour. If you feel uncomfortable or under pressure, end all communication with the other person until you can verify their identity.

How do they work?

• Fake profiles: scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media platforms, often using stolen photos and details they've made up to appear more appealing.
• Building trust: once contact is made, the scammer builds an emotional connection with the victim over weeks or months, crafting elaborate stories to gain their trust.
• Requests for financial help: the scammer eventually asks for money, citing emergencies such as medical bills, travel costs, or family crises. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears.

How do I protect myself?

• Verify their identity: use reverse image searches to check if their profile pictures are linked to other accounts or stock photo websites.
• Be wary of financial requests: a genuine romantic interest will never put extreme pressure on you to send money, especially early in a relationship and if you've never met in person. Don't do it.
• Take your time: Scammers often rush the relationship to build trust quickly. Be cautious if someone declares love or commitment unusually fast.

Revolut's fraud safety checklist

Scammers thrive when you let your guard down — exploiting trust, loneliness, and urgency to target their fraud victims. Here's how you can safeguard yourself against fraud with Revolut:

1. Stay sceptical and well-informed. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, offers, or urgent requests for money or information. Keep yourself informed of common scams through sources like our fraud and scams hub.
2. Verify sources. Double-check the legitimacy of profiles and details, and never take information at face value.
3. Use secure platforms and act fast. Whenever possible, use trusted platforms that offer protection against fraud. If you suspect that you've transferred money to a fraudster, report the scammer to Revolut and secure your account.
4. Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a fraudulent account or social media post, report it to the platform to protect others. If you suspect a scam that might compromise your financial information or accounts on Revolut, report it to us immediately.

While scammers will continue to adapt their tactics, staying informed and vigilant is your best defence. By recognising the common signs of romance scams, you can get to know new people, and maybe even fall for them — without falling victim to fraud.

Revolut also provides you with a host of security controls, proactive warnings, and in-app educational materials to keep you safe and informed in real time. Remember, when something feels off, go with your gut — let's work together to keep fraudsters out of the loop.