Dating or romance profile that turns into a money request
A match or online friend builds a relationship over weeks, then needs money for an emergency, a visa, a gift at customs or an investment.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- Someone attractive matches with you on a dating app or messages you on social media, and soon moves the chat to WhatsApp or Telegram.
- For weeks they talk to you every day, share photos and plans to meet, but always find a reason to avoid a video call or a meeting.
- Then a sudden need appears, such as a medical emergency, a visa fee, a gift stuck at customs or a "sure" investment, and they ask you to send money.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
I'm stuck at Delhi airport, customs is holding the gift I brought for you. They want Rs 45,000 clearance fee or they will arrest me. Please help, I will return it tomorrow.
Baby, my uncle trades on this app and makes 30% a month. Start with just Rs 10,000, I will guide you step by step.
Red flags
- Moves the chat off the app quickly
- Avoids live video calls and meeting
- Talks of love or marriage very early
- A sudden emergency that only money can fix
- Investment tips from someone you have never met
The one question to ask
Have you ever met this person face to face, or even seen them on a live video call?
Already paid or shared details?
Call 1930 at once: in the first hour the money can often still be frozen before it moves on. Then call your bank on the number printed on your card, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of every message and payment.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- A foreign doctor or army officer who wants to send you a gift
- A match who moves you onto a trading or crypto app
- Threats to share private photos unless you pay