Romance Scams – Warning Checklist
Romance Scams – Warning Checklist
Romance scams cause emotional and financial devastation. Use our Identity Safety Guide for verification strategies.
Warning Signs
Profile Red Flags
- Limited photos or model-quality images
- Vague personal details
- Claims of working overseas
- Recently widowed or divorced
Communication Patterns
- Moves quickly to profess love
- Avoids video calls
- Grammar inconsistencies
- Copies generic romantic messages
Money Requests
- Claims emergency needs
- Requests wire transfers or gift cards
- "Temporary" financial help
- Investment "opportunities"
Behavioral Red Flags
- Won't meet in person
- Cancels planned meetings repeatedly
- Requests secrecy
- Isolates you from friends/family
Common Scenarios
- Medical emergency scam
- Stranded traveler
- Investment scheme
- Military romance scam
Protection
- Video verify early and often
- Never send money to someone you haven't met
- Be cautious of rapid emotional escalation
- Research photos with reverse image search
- Discuss relationships with trusted friends
Visit Voice Scam Risk for call verification and Scam Text Analyzer for message analysis.
Report AI Fraud to StopAiFraud.com →
Visit Safety Tools for more resources.
🛡️ Support the SAF Mission
These free tools are powered by community support. Help us protect more people from AI scams—every donation funds educational materials, fraud detection tools, and awareness programs.
Donate NowRelated Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I verify someone's identity safely?
A: Never use contact information from suspicious messages. Look up official contact details independently through search engines or known sources. Call organizations directly at their official numbers. For family members, call their known phone number and ask questions only they would know. Request video verification when possible and consult other trusted contacts before taking action.
Q: What are common identity verification mistakes?
A: Common mistakes include using phone numbers or links provided in suspicious messages, not taking time to verify despite urgency claims, failing to ask specific personal questions, not consulting other family members or colleagues, and assuming caller ID is accurate (it can be spoofed). Always verify through independent channels before sending money or sharing information.
Q: When should I be extra cautious about identity verification?
A: Be especially cautious when receiving unexpected requests for money, sensitive information, or urgent action; when communication comes through unusual channels; when there are requests for secrecy; when payment methods are unusual (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency); or when the situation doesn't align with normal patterns of behavior for that person or organization.
Stay Updated on AI Fraud
Get weekly alerts and insights delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to Newsletter