Online Romance Scams: When a New Match Asks for Money (FTC Video Guide)
Romance scammers spend weeks or months building trust before they ask for anything. By the time the first request for money arrives, it can feel like helping someone you love. This short FTC video shows how the pattern works. Our guide covers the red flags and how to talk with someone you think is being targeted.
From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library
What the video shows
The video introduces “Ron,” a perfect match from a dating app who says he is from the U.S. but working overseas. He wants to visit but can’t afford it. Then he needs money for a sick relative, then for car repairs, and the requests keep coming.
The narrator explains that Ron is a scammer who will say anything to get money sent fast and will never run out of excuses. The rule: if an online love interest asks for money, walk away, no matter how moving the story.
Key takeaways
- Romance scammers often claim to work far away: overseas, on an oil rig, in the military, or as a doctor with an international group.
- They move quickly to declare strong feelings and to switch to private messaging.
- They avoid video calls or in-person meetings, always with a reason.
- Requests for money start small and grow, often framed as emergencies or travel costs.
- Some scammers pitch an ‘investment opportunity’ instead of asking for help directly.
How to protect yourself
- Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have only met online.
- Do a reverse image search of their profile photos to see if they appear elsewhere under other names.
- Ask for a live video call. Repeated excuses are a red flag.
- Talk to a trusted friend or relative about the relationship before you make any financial decision.
- If you suspect a scam, stop contact, report the profile on the dating app or social site, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you think a parent or friend is being targeted
Lead with care, not blame. People caught in romance scams often feel real affection and may defend the person at first. Ask open questions (“How did you two meet? Have you video chatted?”), share this video, and offer to look at the profile photos together. Keep the door open even if they don’t agree right away; they may come back to you when the next money request arrives.
Common questions
They sent me a gift or money first. Does that mean they’re real?
No. Small gifts or payments can be part of building trust, or a way to use your account to move stolen money. Do not forward money for anyone.
I’ve already sent money. Is it too late?
Stop sending more and contact your bank or the payment service right away. Report it to the FTC. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.
Someone says they can recover my lost money for a fee. Should I pay?
No. ‘Recovery’ offers aimed at scam victims are another scam.
Related guides
- Impersonation Scams: How to Spot Them
- How Scammers Tell You to Pay (Video Guide)
- Meta Privacy Policy Review
- Gift Cards Are Only for Gifts
About this video
This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.
Read the FTC’s guide What to Know About Romance Scams.
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