Romance scammers often create convincing stories to gain your trust before asking for money, personal information or financial assistance.
They may pretend to be working overseas, experiencing an emergency or planning to visit you. Some spend weeks or months building an emotional connection before making a request.
Whatever the situation, never send money or share sensitive financial information with someone you’ve met online.
Below are some common dating scam scenarios to watch out for.
1. Someone Has Asked Me to Pay for Flights or Travel Expenses.
This is a common romance scam tactic.
Someone may claim they want to visit you but cannot afford their travel expenses. They might ask you to pay for:
- Airline tickets or accommodation.
- Visa applications or immigration fees.
- Customs charges or travel insurance.
- Unexpected travel expenses.
They may even send copies of passports, airline tickets or visas to convince you they’re genuine.
Be careful: Documents and travel confirmations can be forged or altered.
Never send money to someone you’ve met online to arrange their travel.
2. Someone Claims to Be in the Military and Needs Money for Leave.
Scammers sometimes pretend to be military personnel stationed overseas.
They may claim they need money for:
- Military leave or permission to travel.
- Transportation home.
- Medical treatment.
- Special military documents or fees.
They may also claim that military restrictions prevent them from making video calls or accessing their own money.
Do not send money. Requests for payments to arrange military leave or release are a common warning sign of fraud.
3. Someone Has Asked Me to Invest in a Business or Cryptocurrency.
Be cautious if someone you’ve met online encourages you to invest money or participate in a business opportunity.
Common examples include:
- Cryptocurrency trading or investment platforms.
- Gold mining, oil exploration or gemstone businesses.
- Property or overseas investment opportunities.
- Promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns.
- Requests to transfer money into unfamiliar investment accounts.
Some scammers create fake investment websites that appear legitimate and show fabricated profits.
Never invest money based on the recommendation of someone you’ve only met online.
4. Someone Says They Need Money for an Emergency.
Yes. Scammers often create urgent situations to pressure you into sending money.
They may claim:
- They or a family member have been injured or hospitalised.
- Their wallet, passport or belongings have been stolen.
- They’ve been arrested or detained overseas.
- They need money for legal fees, customs charges or immigration problems.
- They’ve been kidnapped and need help paying a ransom.
These stories are designed to create fear, sympathy or urgency.
Don’t send money, even if the situation sounds serious or the person promises to repay you.
5. Someone Says They Can’t Continue Talking Unless I Send Money.
This is another common tactic used by romance scammers.
They may claim they need money to:
- Pay for internet or mobile phone access.
- Purchase a computer, webcam or phone.
- Cover translation services.
- Pay for living expenses.
- Maintain contact while working or travelling overseas.
Someone who genuinely wants to build a relationship should not pressure you into paying for their ability to communicate.
Never feel obligated to send money to keep a conversation or relationship going.
6. Someone Has Asked Me to Transfer Money on Their Behalf.
No. Never agree to receive, transfer or withdraw money on behalf of someone you’ve met online.
A scammer may ask you to:
- Receive money into your bank account and transfer it elsewhere.
- Cash cheques or money orders.
- Forward payments to another person.
- Purchase cryptocurrency or gift cards using money they’ve sent you.
- Allow them to use your bank account.
These activities may involve stolen funds or money laundering.
Even if you’re unaware of the source of the money, participating could expose you to financial loss or legal consequences.
Never allow someone you’ve met online to use your bank account or ask you to transfer money for them.
7. Someone Has Asked for My Personal Details or Identification.
Scammers don’t always ask for money directly. Some attempt to steal personal information for identity theft or fraud.
Be cautious if someone requests:
- Your full home address or date of birth.
- Bank account or credit card details.
- Passwords or verification codes.
- Copies of your passport or driver’s licence.
- Access to your email or social media accounts.
- Personal information about your family.
Never share sensitive information with someone you don’t know or trust.
If you’ve already shared banking information or account passwords, contact your bank and secure the affected accounts immediately.
8. Someone Is Threatening to Share My Private Photos.
This is a form of blackmail known as sexual extortion or sextortion.
A scammer may convince you to share intimate photos or videos and then threaten to distribute them unless you pay money or comply with their demands.
If this happens:
- Don’t send money or additional images.
- Stop responding to the threats.
- Keep relevant evidence, such as messages and usernames.
- Report the member to RSVP.
- Seek assistance from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner.
You can also report threats or blackmail to the police.
9. Someone Says They’ve Inherited Money or Won a Prize.
Be cautious if someone claims they’ve inherited a large amount of money, won a lottery or discovered valuable assets but needs financial assistance to access them.
They may ask you to pay:
- Legal or administrative fees.
- Taxes or customs charges.
- Bank transfer fees.
- Fees to release an inheritance or prize.
These stories are often designed to convince you that a small payment will lead to a much larger financial reward.
Don’t send money or provide banking details in response to these requests.
Other Common Scam Stories
Scammers may also claim to be:
- Oil rig workers stationed offshore.
- Military personnel deployed overseas.
- Doctors or aid workers in remote locations.
- Business owners experiencing financial difficulties.
- Travellers who have become stranded overseas.
- Widowed parents caring for a sick child.
These occupations or circumstances are not inherently suspicious. However, be cautious when someone repeatedly uses their situation to avoid meeting, explain inconsistencies or request financial assistance.
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Scam?
If someone you’ve met on RSVP asks for money, sensitive information or financial assistance:
- Stop communicating with the person.
- Don’t send money or share further personal details.
- 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 information.
You can also report suspected scams to Scamwatch.
If someone is threatening you or you believe you’re in immediate danger, contact the police. For emergencies in Australia, call 000.
Remember: Never Send Money to Someone You’ve Met Online
Romance scammers can be patient, convincing and emotionally manipulative. They may use genuine-looking photos, documents and detailed personal stories to gain your trust.
No matter how convincing the explanation sounds, never send money, transfer funds or share sensitive financial information with someone you’ve met online.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report the behaviour.