3 Red Flags to Watch Out for in Romance & Dating Scams

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If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on my Podcast at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/norbert-gostischa/episodes/3-Red-Flags-to-Watch-Out-for-in-Romance--Dating-Scams-e33l46l

Looking for love online? You're not alone—but neither are the scammers. In today’s digital dating world, someone might be after more than your heart—they want your wallet.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2024, consumers lost over $12 billion to fraud—and nearly $3 billion of that was from impostor scams, a category that includes romance scams. A deeper look shows that while the number of victims dipped slightly, the total losses remained staggeringly high. An estimated 58,734 people were scammed in 2024, with combined losses reaching $697.3 million. That’s a strong reminder -  fewer victims doesn’t mean less damage—scammers are just getting better at what they do.

So how do you dodge the heartbreak and the bank drain?

Here are the top 3 red flags that can help you protect yourself in the world of online dating.

🚩Red Flag #1 - Love at First Message

Ever get a message that says, “I’ve never felt this way before,” after two texts? Welcome to love bombing. This tactic is all about flattery overload—lavishing you with compliments, constant attention, and proclamations of love before you've even exchanged last names.

Common lines include:

“You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met.” - “It feels like destiny brought us together.” - “I’ve deleted my dating app because I found you.”

Feels good, right? That’s the point. The scammer wants to fast-track emotional trust. Once they’ve got your guard down, they’ll slowly shift the conversation from romance, to money.

Real love takes time to build. If it feels like a romantic speed run, pump the brakes.

🚩Red Flag #2 - The Vanishing Act

Here’s a classic move - the dreamy love interest who’s somehow always “just out of reach.” They claim they’re:

On military deployment, Working on an oil rig, Traveling internationally for business.

They have excuses for avoiding video calls:

“My camera’s broke.” - “I have bad internet in this area.” - “I’m too busy to chat right now.”

Spoiler - it’s not bad Wi-Fi—it’s a fake profile. They’re likely using stolen photos or a fabricated identity.

Scammers stay virtual to maintain their illusion. If someone truly cares, they’ll make the effort to see you—even virtually. If they keep dodging FaceTime or Zoom, it’s time to Zoom out of that convo.

🚩Red Flag #3 - The Financial Crisis Plot Twist

This is the big scene in their scammer screenplay—the part where the drama unfolds and The heartstrings are pulled.

After weeks or even months of romantic messaging, they suddenly face a crisis:

“My wallet was stolen while traveling.” - “My child is sick and I need help with hospital bills.” - “I’ve found a great crypto investment but can’t access my funds.”

They’ll ask you to - Wire money, Buy gift cards, Send cryptocurrency.

And always, it’s “just a loan”—a one-time thing.

But the truth? It’s never the last ask - Once you send money, they’ll either vanish or spin a new tale for another round of “emergency” cash.

🛡️How to Stay Safe from Romance Scams

✔️Keep chats on the platform - Scammers will try to move you to WhatsApp, Telegram, or text—places with fewer security checks.

✔️Use reverse image searches - Check if their photos are used elsewhere with Google Images or TinEye. If they pop up on multiple sites, you're probably dealing with a scammer.

✔️Don’t send money or gifts - Even if the story sounds dire—don’t do it. No real romantic partner will ask for financial help early in a relationship.

✔️Talk to someone you trust - When emotions run high, our judgment can falter. A friend or family member may spot red flags you miss.

✔️Report suspicious behavior - To the dating platform, the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), or local authorities. It helps others avoid becoming victims too.

💬Final Thought - Romance scams are still going strong in 2025—not because people are gullible, but because scammers are strategic. They prey on loneliness, trust, and the universal desire to connect.

If something feels off, it probably is - Ask questions - Stay alert. 

Stay safe, stay secure and remember - your heart deserves the real thing—not a digital con.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

"I'll see you again soon. Bye-bye and thanks for reading watching and listening."