The Risks of Online Romance: Protecting Yourself and Others

14 October 2026 | Blog | By: CIG Communications

Online romance scams, sometimes known as “honey traps”, are nothing new. While the way scammers reach people has changed, they still rely on building trust and forming what can feel like a genuine relationship. What might once have been called a “confidence trickster” can now use dating apps, websites and social media to connect with someone, often without ever meeting them in person. 

These platforms can be a great way to meet people and form genuine friendships and relationships. However, a romance scam can develop over days, weeks or even months as trust grows, before the person eventually asks for money or financial information. 

This guide outlines some of the signs to look out for and what you can do if you think you or someone you know may be affected. 

 

Take Your Time Building Trust 

Be cautious if someone you have only recently met online seems to become very close to you very quickly. People you meet online may not always be who they say or appear to be. Photos, profiles and personal information can be used to create a false identity and make someone appear more familiar or trustworthy. 

Someone may also appear particularly charming or attentive, listen to your problems and seem to genuinely care about you. While these behaviours do not necessarily mean someone is trying to deceive you, they can be used to build trust over time. 

 

Be Cautious When Finances Enter the Conversation 

Be particularly cautious if someone you have never met in person asks you to send money, make a payment or provide financial information. 

They may not ask you directly at first. Instead, they might repeatedly talk about financial problems until you offer to help, or wait until trust has been established before telling you about an emergency or difficult situation requiring money. Requests may start small before increasing over time, sometimes with promises that the money will be paid back. 

 

Look Out for Pressure 

Pay attention if someone pressures you to make a quick decision, repeatedly asks for money or tries to make you feel guilty for saying no. The amount of time you have spent talking to someone does not mean you owe them money or financial support. 

If you are unsure about a request for money or something does not seem right, speak to someone you trust before making a payment or sharing financial information. 

 

If You Think You Have Been Scammed 

If you think you have sent money or financial information to a scammer, stop sending further payments and stop communicating with them. 

Where possible, keep information that may help your bank, payment provider or the authorities understand what happened. This could include: 

  • messages, emails or other correspondence 

  • screenshots of the person's profile or account 

  • account names, telephone numbers or email addresses they used 

  • dates and approximate times 

  • payment or transaction information 

  • details of what information you provided or actions you took. 

 

Contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible and explain what has happened. You should also report the incident to the police by contacting the Financial Crime Investigation Unit at +1 (345) 949-8797, making a report to your local police station or calling 911 in an emergency. 

Do not let embarrassment stop you from asking for help. Romance scams are deliberately designed to build trust before money is requested. 

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