They move very quickly
They may use affection, flattery or future plans before you really know them.
What to doRomance scam guidance
Romance scams: early warning signs and what to do
Romance scams often begin with trust, attention and emotional pressure. The safest step is to slow down, check the warning signs and avoid sending money, gifts or personal details.
UK-focused guidance Plain English No blame or shame Official reporting routes
Do these first
If someone you met online is asking for money, secrecy, gift cards, crypto or bank transfers, pause before replying.
- Do not send money, gift cards, crypto or bank details.
- Do not keep the situation secret if you feel under pressure.
- Speak to someone you trust before taking action.
- Keep messages, usernames, photos and payment details as evidence.
- If you already sent money, contact your bank as soon as possible.
Common warning signs
Romance scams usually rely on fast trust, emotional pressure and isolation from people who might help you check.
They avoid normal checks
They may avoid video calls, give excuses or use stolen photos and fake profiles.
Check safelyThey ask for money
Requests may involve travel, illness, fees, crypto, gift cards or urgent emergencies.
Pause firstWhat a genuine relationship should not involve
One of these signs is enough to stop and check with someone you trust.
Pressure to keep secrets
Scammers often ask victims not to tell family or friends because outside advice breaks the scam.
Requests for payment
Be wary of bank transfers, crypto, gift cards, courier fees, medical costs or travel costs.
Refusal to meet or verify
Repeated excuses, poor-quality calls or sudden emergencies can be part of the pattern.
Emotional blackmail
Phrases like “if you loved me” or “you are my only hope” are pressure tactics.
Step-by-step guidance
Work through these calmly. You do not need to confront the person or prove everything before protecting yourself.
1
Stop sending money or details
Do not send further payments, gift cards, crypto, ID documents, bank details or security codes.
2
Talk to someone you trust
Choose a calm person outside the situation. Explain what has happened and show them the messages.
3
Keep the evidence
Save usernames, photos, chat messages, phone numbers, email addresses, bank details and payment receipts.
4
Contact your bank if money was sent
Use your banking app, card or official website. Tell them you may have been affected by a scam.
5
Secure your accounts
Change passwords for email, social media, dating apps and any account where details may have been shared.
6
Report the scam
Report fraud through Report Fraud. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726.
If something else happened
These guides may help if the romance scam involved another type of fraud.
I sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly and ask what can be done.
Read the money guidanceMy account was hacked
Secure your email, social accounts and passwords.
Read the account guidanceI clicked a link
Close the page, check what you entered and secure any account involved.
Read the link guidanceWant printable scam-safety checklists at home?
The UK Scam Safety Toolkit gives you practical checklists and action sheets to keep at home, including steps for suspicious messages, bank calls, online shopping scams and family conversations.
Keep the 10-second scam check nearby
The safest step is often a pause. Download the free Cleverways guide and keep a simple check nearby for suspicious messages, calls and payment requests.