Before you respond
Romance messages
Learn how romance scams can start through dating apps, social media, or messages, and what to check before sending money or personal details.
Reviewed May 31, 2026
Quick answer
A romance message may be a scam if someone builds trust quickly but avoids meeting, creates an emergency, or asks for money, crypto, gift cards, or account help.
Slow down and talk to someone you trust before sending money or sharing private information.
What it may look like
"I love you and want to visit, but my account is frozen. Can you send money for the flight today?"
Signs to slow down
- The person becomes close quickly but cannot meet or video chat normally.
- They ask for money for travel, medical bills, customs fees, a frozen account, or an emergency.
- They ask for gift cards, crypto, wire transfer, payment apps, or bank access.
- They suggest moving from the dating app or social media to a private messaging app.
What to do next
- Do not send money, cards, crypto, or account access.
- Talk to a trusted contact about the relationship and the request.
- Search the person's photos, name, and story if something feels off.
- Be careful if the person keeps avoiding a normal meeting or video call.
- Report the profile or conversation on the platform and to ReportFraud.ftc.gov if appropriate.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can give you a calm second opinion before you respond.
Paste a message or upload screenshots of the request. Olevo can help you review the pressure, payment method, and story before you respond.
Trusted sources
What To Know About Romance Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance explains how online relationships can turn into urgent requests for money or investment help.
Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says anyone who demands payment by gift card is trying to scam you.
What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance warns that scammers may push people toward crypto payments, fake platforms, or investment promises.
Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI IC3 reporting names phishing, spoofing, extortion, and investment schemes among the most reported complaint types.
Common questions
Can romance scams start outside dating apps?
Yes. They can start on social media, messaging apps, games, wrong-number texts, or other online spaces.
What if I already trust the person?
Trust can build before the money request. Pause and talk with someone who is not part of the conversation.
Is crypto a warning sign in a romance conversation?
It can be. Be careful if romance turns into investing, trading, wallet setup, or sending crypto.