Dating and Romance Scams to be Aware of

It’s a different dating landscape today. Different than it was before everyone had smartphones, certainly, but also different since the inception of dating apps. As online dating has risen to prominence, the algorithms have become sharper, more intuitive, and increasingly sophisticated.

Unfortunately, so too have scams, which target earnest users across dating platforms, social media, and other messaging services.

Knowing what to do can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your money, personal information, and peace of mind. 

What are dating and romance scams?

A fake identity is almost always at the centre of dating and romance scams. Used to build trust with another person online (sometimes quickly, sometimes over several months), the goal is to gain money, personal information, or emotional control. 

Most scammers paint a picture of themselves as attractive and successful, as well as emotionally available and seeking a partner to dote on.

Sometimes they add nuance to their back story to provide a cover for avoiding meeting anyone in person, such as that they travel often for work or have complicated personal circumstances.

Whatever the scenario, the scammer is laying the groundwork to create an emotional attachment before they ask for something in return.

Common dating and romance scams to watch for

1. Requesting money

Asking you for any financial help is the biggest red flag of a dating and romance scam. Even if the request is small in the beginning, it’s likely to escalate over time.

Excuses might be that they’ve experienced a medical emergency, that their bank account is frozen, or that they want to buy a ticket to visit you. Or maybe they’re seeking to bring you on as an investor in a flashy new crypto opportunity. 

Keep in mind that sending honey to someone you’ve never met is always risky, no matter how convincing their story might sound. 

2. Moving communication off dating apps

Most dating apps have moderation systems and reporting tools that scammers want to avoid. They’ll likely push for texting or private calls soon after matching. 

If you choose to move your conversation off-platform, a secondary with Hushed will protect your personal phone number and private data. 

3. Love bombing and fast emotional attachment

Emotional manipulation is at the core of many dating and romance scams. Scammers may overwhelm you with affection, compliments, and even intense declarations of love. 

If someone you’re freshly chatting with has already jumped into future plans or is calling you their soulmate, it’s worth hitting the brakes and reexamining what you know: Healthy relationships grow at a steady pace. 

4. Refusing video calls 

Avoiding a live interaction is another warning sign of a dating and romance scam. Be on alert if they claim their camera is broken or that they’re suddenly working abroad. 

Sure, a scheduling issue might happen but if it’s a repeated occurrence, go for a reverse image search to see if their photos are even of a real person. 

How to protect yourself from dating and romance scams 

Protecting your privacy is the smartest thing you can do while getting to know someone online. Avoid sharing your home address, workplace, financial information, or other personal identifiers. 

Using a Hushed online number will also add a layer of protection, allowing you to keep your primary contact information private until you feel comfortable. It’s also great to manage dating conversations separately and even block sketchy contacts.

Always remember to trust your instincts, take things slow, and prioritize your privacy while playing the online field.