Most people on RSVP are genuinely looking to meet someone and build meaningful connections. However, like any online platform, scammers may occasionally attempt to create fake profiles and target members.
Romance scammers are skilled manipulators. Their goal is often to gain your trust before attempting to obtain money, personal information, financial details, or access to your accounts.
Understanding the warning signs can help you identify suspicious behaviour early and protect yourself from harm.
What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam occurs when someone pretends to be interested in a relationship in order to deceive another person for financial gain or personal information.
Scammers often spend significant time building trust and creating an emotional connection. They may appear caring, attentive, and genuine, making it difficult to recognise their true intentions.
These scams can affect anyone, regardless of age, education, or life experience.
Common Warning Signs
While a single sign doesn't necessarily mean someone is a scammer, multiple warning signs should cause concern.
They Move the Relationship Very Quickly
Scammers often try to create a strong emotional connection in a short period of time.
They may:
- Call you their soulmate after only a few conversations
- Declare love within days or weeks
- Talk about a future together very early
- Pressure you to become emotionally invested quickly
Healthy relationships typically develop over time.
They Avoid Meeting in Person or Video Chat
A common tactic is to avoid situations where their identity could be verified.
They may:
- Repeatedly cancel plans
- Refuse video calls
- Claim their camera is broken
- Always have a reason why they cannot meet
If someone consistently avoids face-to-face contact, proceed with caution.
They Have a Story That Always Creates Obstacles
Scammers frequently create believable reasons why they cannot meet or why they need assistance.
Common scenarios include:
- Working overseas
- Military deployment
- International travel
- Working on an offshore project
- Caring for a sick relative
- Experiencing unexpected emergencies
While these situations can be genuine, repeated excuses combined with other warning signs may indicate a scam.
They Ask for Money or Financial Assistance
This is one of the strongest indicators of a romance scam.
Requests may involve:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Travel costs
- Visa applications
- Business problems
- Family emergencies
- Investment opportunities
- Cryptocurrency transactions
Never send money or provide financial assistance to someone you've met online.
They Ask for Personal or Financial Information
Be suspicious if someone asks for:
- Bank account details
- Credit card information
- Passwords
- Copies of identification documents
- Access to your online accounts
Legitimate relationships do not require sharing sensitive financial information.
They Want to Move Off RSVP Immediately
Scammers often try to move conversations away from dating platforms as quickly as possible.
They may ask you to communicate through:
- Personal email
- Messaging apps
- Social media
- Encrypted chat services
- SMS or phone
Keeping conversations on RSVP initially provides additional protection and makes it easier to report suspicious behaviour.
Their Profile Seems Too Good to Be True
Take a closer look if a profile appears unusually polished or unrealistic.
Possible indicators include:
- Professional-quality photos only
- Limited profile information
- Vague descriptions
- Inconsistent details
- Information that doesn't match their messages
Trust your instincts if something doesn't seem authentic.
Their Stories Don't Add Up
Pay attention to inconsistencies over time.
Examples include:
- Changing personal details
- Contradictory information
- Vague responses to simple questions
- Avoiding questions altogether
- Repetitive or scripted messages
Genuine people can forget small details, but repeated inconsistencies may indicate deception.
Be Cautious of Emotional Manipulation
Scammers often use emotions rather than technology to gain trust.
Common tactics include:
- Creating urgency
- Making you feel responsible for helping them
- Encouraging secrecy
- Isolating you from friends or family
- Using guilt if you question them
- Making you feel special or uniquely important
These tactics are designed to influence decision-making and reduce critical thinking.
Trust Your Instincts
One of the most effective safety tools is your own judgement.
If something feels off, take a step back and assess the situation objectively.
Ask yourself:
- Am I being pressured?
- Are there inconsistencies in their story?
- Have they avoided meeting or video chatting?
- Have they asked for money or personal information?
- Would I be concerned if a friend described this situation to me?
If the answer to any of these questions raises concern, proceed carefully.
Unsure About a Relationship?
The National Anti-Scam Centre's Online Relationship Health Check is a free five-minute assessment designed to help identify potential warning signs in online relationships.
The assessment can help you reflect on a developing relationship and determine whether any behaviours may indicate risk.
👉 Online Relationship Health Check
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/research-and-resources/resources/online-relationship-health-check
Think You May Be Dealing With a Scammer?
If you believe a member may be attempting to scam you, stop sharing personal information and report the profile to RSVP for review.
For guidance on the steps to take, read:
Remember: you should never send money, financial assistance, or sensitive personal information to someone you've met online.
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