Online dating safety: how to spot a romance scammer

Updated: 2026-09-29

Most people you meet online are exactly who they say they are. But romance scams exist on every dating site and app, and they cost people money and heartbreak. This guide explains the warning signs and the simple habits that keep you safe.

12 warning signs of a romance scammer

  1. They ask for money — for a plane ticket, a visa, medical bills, customs fees or an "investment". This is the number one sign.
  2. They say "I love you" very quickly, sometimes after only a few days.
  3. They avoid video calls or always have an excuse why the camera "doesn't work".
  4. Their photos look like a professional photo shoot, or a reverse image search finds them under other names.
  5. They want to move the conversation to WhatsApp, Telegram or email right away.
  6. Their story keeps them far away: a job abroad, on an oil rig, in the military or on a ship, so a meeting is always "soon".
  7. They talk about cryptocurrency or trading and offer to help you "invest".
  8. They ask for gift cards, crypto or a money transfer to a third person.
  9. Their messages feel copied or generic and don't really answer your questions.
  10. They ask you to keep the relationship secret from friends and family.
  11. They push for intimate photos or videos — these can later be used for blackmail.
  12. A sudden emergency appears just before you are supposed to meet.

Before you meet: check that the person is real

  • Have a video call. It is the easiest way to confirm that the person matches their photos.
  • Do a reverse image search of their photos with Google Images or TinEye.
  • Ask specific questions about their city and daily life, and notice whether the answers stay consistent.
  • Keep private details private — home address, workplace and financial information — until you really trust the person.

Safe first dates

  • Meet in a busy public place: a café, restaurant or shopping centre.
  • Tell a friend where you are going and who you are meeting, and share your location.
  • Arrange your own transport there and back.
  • If you travel to meet someone from another country, book your own accommodation and keep your passport and return ticket with you.
  • Trust your instincts: you can leave at any time.

How Bridesa helps

  • Profile photos are checked by moderators before they appear in public listings.
  • You can block any member or report a profile directly from the chat.
  • Contact details that people write in their profile texts are hidden from public view.
  • AI companions are marked with an AI badge on their profile cards and in the chat.

If you think you are being scammed

  1. Stop replying and don't send any money.
  2. Block and report the profile on Bridesa.
  3. Save screenshots of the messages and any payment details.
  4. If you have already sent money, contact your bank immediately and report the fraud to the police. In the United States you can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and in the UK to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
  5. Talk to someone you trust. Scammers are professionals — being targeted is not your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is online dating safe?

For most people, yes — if you get to know someone before meeting, meet in public and never send money to someone you have not met in person.

How can I tell if someone on a dating site is real?

Ask for a video call, do a reverse image search of their photos and check whether their story stays consistent over time.

What is the biggest red flag in online dating?

A request for money, in any form and for any reason, from someone you have never met.

What should I do if someone asks me for money?

Say no, stop the conversation and report the profile. Genuine partners do not ask people they have never met for money.

Is international dating safe?

Yes, if you follow the same rules: video calls before travelling, public places for the first meeting, your own accommodation and no money transfers. Read our international dating guide for more.

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