What is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam occurs when a criminal creates a fake online identity to build a romantic relationship with you, then asks for money or personal information. These scammers use dating sites, social media, email, and even text messages to target victims.
Romance scammers typically claim they need money for medical emergencies, travel expenses, customs fees, or business investments. They may also use fake websites and phone scams as part of their scheme.
Where to Report a Romance Scam
1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
The FTC collects reports of romance scams and shares them with law enforcement nationwide. Your report helps the FTC track scam patterns and take legal action against fraudsters.
2. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Website: IC3.gov
File a complaint with IC3 if you lost money to a romance scammer. The FBI investigates large-scale fraud operations and international scam rings. Include all evidence: emails, messages, wire transfer receipts, and photos the scammer sent you.
3. Local Police Department
File a police report immediately, especially if you sent money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Bring all documentation: chat logs, transaction records, bank statements, and the scammer’s profile information.
4. Report to the Dating Site or Social Media Platform
Report the scammer’s profile directly to the platform where you met them:
- Match.com: Use the “Report” button on their profile
- Tinder: Tap profile → Report → Scam
- Facebook Dating: Report the profile for fraud
- Instagram/Facebook: Report the account for impersonation or fraud
- LinkedIn: Report fake profile
5. Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider
If you sent money via wire transfer, contact your bank immediately—transactions may be reversible within 24-48 hours. If you used gift cards, contact the retailer (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play) with the card numbers and receipts. For cryptocurrency, report to the exchange immediately.
Step-by-Step: How to Report a Romance Scam
Step 1: Stop All Contact
Cut off all communication with the scammer immediately. Do not respond to texts, calls, or emails—even to confront them. Block their number, email, and social media profiles.
Step 2: Document Everything
Before blocking, save all evidence:
- Screenshots of messages, emails, and profile photos
- Phone numbers, email addresses, usernames
- Wire transfer receipts and transaction numbers
- Gift card receipts and card numbers
- Cryptocurrency wallet addresses and transaction IDs
- Any documents the scammer sent (fake IDs, business papers, customs forms)
Step 3: Report to FTC and IC3
File online reports with both agencies. Include all evidence and exact dollar amounts lost. The FTC report takes 10-15 minutes; IC3 takes 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: File a Police Report
Visit your local police station or file online. Get a case number—you’ll need it for insurance claims, credit monitoring services, and potential tax deductions for theft losses.
Step 5: Report to Your Bank
Contact your bank’s fraud department immediately. If you sent money within 24 hours, they may be able to freeze the transaction or recover funds.
Step 6: Monitor Your Credit
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you shared your Social Security number, consider a credit freeze.
How to Recognize a Romance Scam
Red Flags:
- They profess love very quickly (within days or weeks)
- They claim to be overseas (military, oil rig, doctor abroad)
- They avoid video calls or in-person meetings
- They ask for money for emergencies, medical bills, or travel
- They want gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Their photos look like model headshots (reverse image search them)
- Poor grammar or inconsistent stories
- They ask you to move communication off the dating site immediately
Can You Get Your Money Back?
Wire Transfers: Contact your bank within 24 hours—some can be reversed. After that, recovery is unlikely.
Gift Cards: Contact the retailer with card numbers and receipts. Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play may freeze unused balances.
Cryptocurrency: Nearly impossible to recover. Report to the exchange and IC3, but don’t expect funds back.
Credit Cards: Dispute the charge immediately. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I report a romance scam even if I didn’t lose money?
Yes. Reporting helps law enforcement track scammers and protect others. Even if you caught it before sending money, your report provides valuable intelligence.
Can I report a romance scam anonymously?
The FTC and IC3 allow confidential reporting, but to recover funds or press charges, you’ll need to provide your identity to law enforcement.
Will reporting a romance scam prevent it from happening to others?
Yes. The FTC shares reports with dating sites and social media platforms. IC3 data helps FBI take down international scam operations. Your report makes a difference.
What if the scammer threatens me after I report?
Block all contact immediately. If threats continue, report to local police and report cyber harassment. Scammers rarely follow through on threats—they move on to new victims.
How long does it take to get money back from a romance scam?
Most romance scam victims do not recover lost funds. Wire transfers and gift cards are nearly impossible to recover. Act within 24-48 hours for the best chance with banks or credit card companies.