Romance scam
A romance scam is a fraud in which someone cultivates a fake romantic relationship online to exploit the victim emotionally and financially. Over weeks or months the scammer gives constant attention and affection, then invents crises or opportunities that call for money, gift cards, or help moving funds. The whole relationship exists only to set up the ask.
How we check this: Written and reviewed by the Hunch team; recognition signs reflect how the FTC/FBI describe this scam. · Last reviewed: 2026-08
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Example
You match with someone charming who says they're working abroad. They text lovingly every day but always have a reason not to video call. Eventually an 'emergency' comes up, a medical bill, a stuck shipment, a plane ticket home, and they ask you to send money to solve it.
How to recognize it
- A fast-moving online relationship with someone you've never met in person
- Constant excuses to avoid video calls or meeting up
- Professions of love followed by requests for money, gift cards, or transfers
- Stories of sudden emergencies or lucrative opportunities needing your help
How Hunch flags it
Hunch keys on the signal categories these scams converge on, a payment or gift-card ask, urgency around an 'emergency,' and links to lookalike sites, rather than judging the relationship itself.
FAQ
How do I know if an online partner is a scammer?
Major warning signs are refusing to video chat or meet, moving very fast emotionally, and eventually asking for money, gift cards, or help transferring funds.
Why won't they video call me?
Romance scammers often use stolen photos and a false identity, so live video would expose that they aren't who they claim to be.
They asked me to receive money for them, is that safe?
No. That can make you a money mule for laundered funds; never receive and forward money for someone you met online.