Romance or companionship scam aimed at the widowed
A warm online friend, often "abroad", builds a relationship and then needs money for an emergency or a gift.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A friendly stranger, often a widowed "doctor", "engineer" or "army officer" working abroad, sends a friend request and starts chatting with you every day.
- Over weeks they become a close companion, share photos and talk of visiting you or a future together, so you feel cared for.
- Then they need money for a medical emergency, a flight ticket or "customs charges" on a gift, and the requests keep growing.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Good morning my dear. I feel so lucky God brought you into my life. I am stuck at the airport and they will not let me leave without paying Rs 85,000. Please help, I will return it when I reach you.
I have sent you a gift with jewellery and some dollars. A customs officer will call you to pay the clearance fee.
Red flags
- Always abroad, never meets in person
- Avoids live video calls
- Deep affection within a few weeks
- An emergency only your money can fix
- Asks you to keep it from family
The one question to ask
Have you ever seen this person on a live video call or met them face to face?
Already paid or shared details?
Stop sending money, however painful it feels, and talk to a family member or friend you trust. Call 1930 and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with the profile, chats and payment details.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Online friend who suggests a "sure" investment
- Fake customs call about a gift parcel
- Online friend who later threatens to share private chats