Cyber Security Awareness Poster
Swipe Right on Security: How to Avoid Online Romance Scams
Dating apps have made it easier than ever to meet new people. They’ve also made it easier for scammers to meet you. Romance scams, sometimes called “catfishing,” are on the rise, with fraudsters using fake profiles to trick users into sharing money, personal information, or access to accounts. (Anyone remember that show on MTV?)
Before you fall for a scam disguised as a soulmate, take a moment to protect yourself and your data.
💔 The Anatomy of a Romance Scam
Romance scams usually follow a pattern:
- They build trust quickly. Scammers often move conversations off the app fast, pushing for texts, emails, or private messaging.
- They create an excuse for distance. Many claim to work overseas or serve in the military to explain why they can’t meet in person.
- They create urgency. Once they think you trust them, they ask for help — money for a ticket home, a medical emergency, or a “business opportunity.”
- They disappear. After you send money or information, the profile vanishes, and the scammer moves on to a new target.
❤️ How to Spot Red Flags Early
Even the savviest online daters can fall for a well-crafted lie. Keep these red flags in mind:
- Their profile seems too perfect.
- They avoid video calls and in-person meetings.
- They profess love quickly or insist they’re “meant to be.”
- They ask for money, usually in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- They claim to have an urgent problem that only you can solve.
- Their messages are inconsistent or full of vague personal details.
If it feels off, it probably is.
🔐 Protect Your Heart (and Your Data)
- Keep conversations on the platform. Dating apps monitor for suspicious behavior and can help you report scams.
- Never share financial information or send money (cash, your bank account info, gift cards, or crypto) to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Verify images with a reverse image search. Scammers often steal photos from social media or stock image sites.
- Report suspicious users to the app immediately and block contact.
- If you’ve been scammed, save all messages and report the fraud to ic3.gov.
💬 Spread the Word
Online romance scams aren’t just embarrassing, they’re costly. While the number of romance scams is certainly smaller than the number of business scams, they cost lonely people looking for love $1.16 million in 2025. Remember: Real love takes time. Scams happen fast.
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