Warning signs
No single sign proves a scam, but repeated emotional pressure and money requests are serious signals.
- They avoid video calls, in-person meetings, or normal verification.
- They quickly express intense affection or talk about destiny.
- They ask for secrecy or discourage you from asking friends or family.
- They introduce emergencies, travel problems, frozen accounts, or medical bills.
- They recommend crypto, investments, gift cards, wire transfers, or package fees.
Safe next steps
When emotions are involved, slow the conversation down and verify independently.
- Do not send money, gift cards, crypto, documents, or account access.
- Ask for a live video call and verify identity calmly.
- Reverse image search profile photos if possible.
- Talk to a trusted friend before making any financial decision.
- Report the profile if the story becomes threatening or financially manipulative.
How to use the romance scam checker
Check the conversation, not just the final money request.
- Copy the relevant dating, social media or WhatsApp messages. Remove passwords, security codes, account numbers and other sensitive details before pasting.
- Add how long you have been talking, their reason for not meeting, and the exact payment, investment or emergency request.
- Paste the text into the ScamSpot checker. Review the signals and next steps alongside the checklist on this page.
The checker reviews text. It does not search a database of people, authenticate profile photos or guarantee that someone is trustworthy.
Example: travel emergency
Input
I was finally coming to see you, but customs stopped me. I need $900 today or I will lose everything. Please do not tell anyone.
What to notice
- The message combines romance, urgency, secrecy, and a money request.
- The travel emergency is difficult for you to verify.
- Do not send money. Verify identity and talk to someone you trust.
Check the story independently before sending money
The FTC's romance scam guidance says never to send money or gifts to a sweetheart you have not met in person. It recommends talking to someone you trust and reverse image searching the profile picture for mismatched names or details.
If you already paid, contact your bank or payment provider right away and explain what happened. Report the profile to the dating app or social network and report the suspected scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Romance scam checker FAQ
Can I check a dating or WhatsApp message for a romance scam?
Yes. Copy the relevant conversation into the ScamSpot text checker, including any money request and the reason given for it. Remove sensitive personal details first. The result helps you review warning signs; it does not verify someone's identity.
Can this checker identify a scammer from a photo or name?
No. This is a text checker, not a people search or photo verification service. The FTC recommends a separate reverse image search to see whether a profile picture appears under another name or with conflicting details.
Do romance scammers always ask for money quickly?
No. Some build trust for weeks or months before asking for money, documents, crypto, or account access.
Is refusing a video call a red flag?
Repeated excuses to avoid live verification can be a red flag, especially when combined with affection, secrecy, or money pressure.
What if I already sent money?
Stop sending more, contact your bank or payment platform immediately, preserve messages, and report the scam.
Can a romance scam include investment advice?
Yes. Many romance scams turn into crypto, trading, or investment fraud after trust is built.
Should I confront the person?
Avoid confrontation if it may trigger threats or more pressure. Preserve evidence, stop payments, and get support.