{"id":96694,"date":"2026-02-09T14:32:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T19:32:01","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-02-09T14:32:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T19:32:02","slug":"5-signs-of-a-romance-scam","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/5-signs-of-a-romance-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Signs of a Romance Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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February may be the month of honey-sweet romance and decadent treats, but in today\u2019s digital age, fraudsters often use \u201choney trapping\u201d to lure unsuspecting hearts into costly scams, making vigilance as essential as a box of chocolates. Finding love online can feel like a thrilling adventure \u2013 until it ends up affecting not only your emotional well-being, but your financial security as well. The good news? Awareness is your strongest defense. Whether you\u2019re swiping through dating apps or connecting on social media, recognizing red flags and staying vigilant can help you safeguard your finances and emotions. This guide can equip you with the knowledge to spot the scam behind the romance, helping your search for love remain secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romance scams usually start on dating sites or social media. The scammer will build a relationship, often over weeks or months, gaining the trust of their victims. There will be multiple messages sent back and forth, strong feelings expressed, and many compliments shared. Eventually, the scammer will ask for money \u2013 often citing an emergency or the need to cover travel expenses. Here are 5 red flags to keep top of mind and how you should respond:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The romance moves very quickly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to spot:<\/strong> Every relationship moves at its own pace, and hitting it off with someone new isn\u2019t out of the question. But if someone pressures you to start chatting or messaging outside of a trusted dating app, this could be a red flag. Remember, reputable dating apps have tools to help spot scammers and remove them from their platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to respond:<\/strong> If someone pressures you to move communication outside a trusted dating app, suggest continuing the conversation within the app\u2019s platform, emphasizing that you prefer to use its built-in safety features. If they persist or become aggressive, this is a clear warning sign \u2013 block and report the profile to the platform immediately. Legitimate connections will respect your boundaries and won\u2019t rush you into using unsecure channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The “too-good-to-be-true” match<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to spot:<\/strong> Scammers often create fake profiles designed to mirror your interests, hobbies, and even life experiences, making it seem like you\u2019ve found your “perfect match.” They may claim to share your exact passions \u2013 whether it\u2019s a niche hobby, favorite band, or life goals \u2013 and appear to know personal details about you. This tactic is intentional: By crafting an idealized persona, scammers aim to build trust and emotional connection quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to respond: <\/strong>While romance scams often start on online dating sites, scammers are increasingly sourcing targets on social media. If you post a lot of personal information about yourself on your social accounts, it\u2019s easy for scammers to say all the right things to create a quick attraction. Before starting your search for love, do a social media audit to protect your personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. A lack of personal information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to spot: <\/strong>Romance scammers often communicate with several potential victims at a time, and therefore have a standard profile. They tend to keep details about themselves vague and don\u2019t share a great deal of personal information. Communication is a two-way street, and if the person you\u2019re talking to asks you to share personal details about yourself \u2013 while being reluctant to do the same \u2013 this could be a sign they\u2019re hiding something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to respond: <\/strong>By asking specific, detailed questions \u2013 about where they grew up, their siblings, what they do for a living, and where they went to school \u2013 you can easily spot inconsistencies in their story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. They avoid meeting in-person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to spot:<\/strong> A common lie scammers tell is that they\u2019re unable to meet in-person. They might say they\u2019re living or travelling outside the country, or work for an international organization. If they do agree to a meeting, an \u201cemergency\u201d often comes up at the last minute \u2013 like car trouble or a sick relative. These made-up emergencies often act as a perfect opportunity to ask you for financial help.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to respond:<\/strong> Meeting someone in-person after connecting online is a great way to verify they are who they say. Prioritize your safety by choosing a public location, informing a trusted contact of your plans, and arranging your own transportation. If someone consistently avoids meeting in-person or cancels due to vague “emergencies,” this is a strong indicator of a scam \u00ad\u2013 block and report the profile immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. A request for money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to spot:<\/strong> As the relationship builds and you become emotionally invested, your new \u201clove interest\u201d may ask you for money or to accept an e-Transfer on their behalf. Common requests include asking for help paying medical expenses, buying a ticket to visit you, or helping them pay fees to get them out of trouble. This is a clear sign that the person you\u2019re chatting with isn\u2019t who they say they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to respond: <\/strong>Politely, but firmly decline any requests for financial assistance, no matter how urgent they claim the situation is. Suggest alternative solutions (i.e. contacting local authorities or their employer for help) instead of you sending them money. If they persist, pressure you, or invent urgent excuses (i.e. medical emergencies, travel fees), this confirms a scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While February celebrates romance, it\u2019s also prime time for romance scams. Your strongest defense is vigilance: Slow down, verify identities, never send money, and protect your personal data. Practicing these tactics and prioritizing caution can help you safeguard both your heart and finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For more tips on keeping yourself and data safe against common scams, read the <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital Safety and Scam booklet<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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