Most people join RSVP to meet someone genuine and build meaningful connections. However, like any online dating platform, scammers may occasionally attempt to create fake profiles and target members.
Romance scammers often try to build trust and emotional connections before asking for money, personal information or financial assistance.
Knowing the warning signs can help you recognise suspicious behaviour and protect yourself while dating online.
What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam happens when someone pretends to be interested in a romantic relationship to gain another person’s trust and deceive them.
Scammers may spend weeks or months building a connection, making their intentions difficult to recognise.
Anyone can be targeted by a romance scam, regardless of age, background or experience with online dating.
Common Warning Signs of a Romance Scam
While one warning sign doesn’t necessarily mean someone is a scammer, several concerning behaviours together may indicate a problem.
1. They Move the Relationship Too Quickly
Be cautious if someone:
- Declares their love after only a few conversations.
- Calls you their soulmate very early.
- Talks about marriage or a future together before getting to know you.
- Pressures you to become emotionally involved quickly.
Genuine relationships usually take time to develop.
2. They Avoid Meeting or Video Calls
Scammers may avoid situations where their identity could be verified.
Watch for someone who:
- Repeatedly cancels plans to meet.
- Refuses video calls or always claims their camera isn’t working.
- Makes ongoing excuses about why they can’t meet.
- Avoids answering reasonable questions about themselves.
There can be genuine reasons for delaying a meeting, but repeated excuses combined with other warning signs should raise concern.
3. Their Story Always Involves an Obstacle or Emergency
Some scammers use elaborate stories to explain why they can’t meet or why they need assistance.
Common examples include:
- Working overseas or on an offshore project.
- Being deployed with the military.
- Travelling internationally for work.
- Caring for a sick family member.
- Experiencing an unexpected emergency.
These circumstances can be genuine. However, be cautious if the stories frequently change or lead to requests for money.
4. They Ask for Money or Financial Assistance
Requests for money are one of the strongest warning signs of a romance scam.
A scammer may ask you to help with:
- Medical emergencies or hospital bills.
- Flights, travel expenses or visa fees.
- Business problems or unexpected debts.
- Family emergencies.
- Cryptocurrency investments or other financial opportunities.
Never send money, gift cards or financial assistance to someone you’ve met online, even if they promise to repay you.
5. They Ask for Personal or Financial Information
Be suspicious if someone asks for sensitive information such as:
- Bank account or credit card details.
- Passwords or verification codes.
- Copies of your passport or driver’s licence.
- Access to your email, banking or social media accounts.
You should never need to share sensitive financial information to build a relationship.
6. They Want to Move Conversations Off RSVP Immediately
Scammers may encourage you to move conversations to WhatsApp, Telegram, email, SMS or social media shortly after connecting.
This can make it harder for RSVP to investigate suspicious interactions.
We recommend keeping conversations on RSVP while you’re getting to know someone and only sharing personal contact details when you feel comfortable.
7. Their Profile or Photos Seem Suspicious
Look out for profiles with:
- Very little personal information.
- Vague or generic descriptions.
- Photos that appear unusually polished or inconsistent.
- Details that don’t match what the person tells you.
- Information that changes during your conversations.
Professional-looking photos alone don’t mean someone is a scammer, but inconsistencies are worth paying attention to.
8. Their Stories Don’t Add Up
Be cautious if someone repeatedly:
- Changes important personal details.
- Gives contradictory information.
- Avoids answering straightforward questions.
- Sends repetitive or scripted messages.
- Becomes defensive when you ask reasonable questions.
Small misunderstandings can happen, but repeated inconsistencies may indicate dishonesty.
9. They Use Emotional Pressure or Manipulation
Scammers may try to influence your decisions by:
- Creating a sense of urgency.
- Making you feel guilty for not helping.
- Asking you to keep the relationship secret.
- Discouraging you from discussing the relationship with friends or family.
- Becoming angry when you question their requests.
- Making you feel responsible for their wellbeing.
You should never feel pressured to send money, share personal information or do something that makes you uncomfortable.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, take your time and consider the situation carefully.
Ask yourself:
- Am I being pressured to make decisions?
- Have I noticed inconsistencies in their story?
- Do they repeatedly avoid meeting or video calls?
- Have they asked for money or sensitive information?
- Would I be concerned if a friend described this situation to me?
If you have concerns, it’s okay to stop communicating.
Unsure About Someone You’re Talking To?
The Australian Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre provides a free Online Relationship Health Check to help you recognise potential warning signs in an online relationship.
The assessment takes approximately five minutes and can help you reflect on whether a developing relationship may involve suspicious behaviour.
Take the Online Relationship Health Check
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Scam?
If you believe someone may be attempting to scam you:
- Stop communicating with the person.
- Don’t send money or share further personal information.
- Report the member through RSVP so our team can investigate.
- Block the member if you don’t want further contact.
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve already transferred money or shared financial details.
You can also report suspected scams to Scamwatch.
Remember, scammers can be convincing, and recognising suspicious behaviour isn’t always easy.
Taking your time, protecting your information and reporting concerns early can help keep you and other RSVP members safe.