They move very quickly
They may use affection, flattery, future plans or intense attention before you really know them.
What to doRomance scam guidance
Romance scams: early warning signs and what to do next
Romance scams often start with trust, attention and emotional pressure. If someone you met online asks for money, secrecy, gift cards, crypto or urgent help, pause before replying.
UK-focused guidance Plain English No blame or shame Official reporting routes
Quick answer
If someone you met online is asking for money, gift cards, crypto, bank transfers, secrecy or urgent help, stop and check before replying. Do not send more money or personal details. Speak to someone you trust and keep messages, usernames, payment details and screenshots as evidence.
- Do not send money, crypto, gift cards or bank details.
- Do not keep the situation secret if you feel under pressure.
- Speak to someone calm and trusted outside the situation.
- Keep messages, usernames, photos, phone numbers and payment records.
- If you already sent money, contact your bank or payment provider promptly.
Common romance scam 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 repeated excuses or use stolen photos and fake profiles.
Check safelyThey ask for money
Requests may involve travel, illness, fees, crypto, gift cards, investment opportunities or sudden 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 can break the scam.
Requests for payment
Be wary of bank transfers, crypto, gift cards, courier fees, medical costs, travel costs or investment payments.
Refusal to meet or verify
Repeated excuses, poor-quality calls, sudden emergencies or pressure to move platforms can be part of the pattern.
Emotional blackmail
Phrases like "if you loved me", "you are my only hope" or "do not tell anyone" are pressure tactics.
What to do next
You do not need to prove everything before protecting yourself. Start by stopping the pressure and keeping evidence.
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 if you can.
3
Keep the evidence
Save usernames, photos, profile links, chat messages, phone numbers, email addresses, bank details and payment receipts.
4
If money was sent, contact your bank
Use your banking app, card number or official website. Tell them you may have been affected by a scam and ask what can be done.
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 the UK fraud reporting route. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726.
Important: Cleverways is educational guidance, not legal, financial or official reporting advice. If money has left your account, contact your bank or payment provider promptly using a trusted route.
If something else happened
These guides may help if the romance scam involved money, account access or suspicious links.
I sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly and keep evidence of the transfer.
Read the money guidanceMy account may be hacked
Secure your email, social accounts and passwords if details may have been shared.
Read the account guidanceI clicked a link
Close the page, check what you entered and secure any account involved.
Read the link guidanceRomance scam FAQs
What are the early signs of a romance scam?
Early warning signs include fast emotional intensity, excuses to avoid meeting or video calls, pressure to keep secrets, requests for money and stories involving sudden emergencies.
What should I do if someone online asks me for money?
Pause before replying. Do not send money, gift cards, crypto or bank details. Speak to someone you trust and check the situation calmly before taking any action.
Should I confront the person?
You do not need to confront them to protect yourself. Stop sending money or details, keep evidence and get support from someone outside the situation.
What if I already sent money?
Contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible using a trusted route. Keep records of messages, payment details and any profiles or contact information.
Want 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, emails and payment requests.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK routes.