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How to Recognize a Romance Scam on Social Media

Recognize relationship-building used to obtain money or sensitive information.

Quick Answer

Be cautious when an online-only relationship quickly becomes intense and leads to emergencies, investments, gift cards, crypto, loans, or requests for money.

Step by Step

  1. Use the platform's official app or website and confirm you are signed into the intended account.
  2. Be cautious when an online-only relationship quickly becomes intense and leads to emergencies, investments, gift cards, crypto, loans, or requests for money.
  3. Review privacy, audience, recipient, or recovery settings before confirming important changes.
  4. For account-security problems, secure the associated email account and enable two-factor authentication when available.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Social-media menus and features change frequently and can differ by device, account type, region, and app version.
  • Do not send money, passwords, one-time verification codes, or sensitive personal information to an account merely because its name or photo looks familiar.