Online romance scam that asks for money or private photos
Someone you meet on a dating app or social media builds a relationship, then asks for money or private photos. A real love interest will not need you to send wires, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, especially in a hurry.
How it works
The person may use a stolen photo, a thin profile, or even an AI-generated image. They often want to move off the dating app quickly and chat by text or another messaging app. They may avoid video or in-person meetings, with excuses about work or a bad connection. After trust is built, they ask for a loan, a plane ticket, help with a medical or legal bill, or a 'business opportunity.' Some also ask for private photos and later threaten to share them. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul restated these warning signs in a February 2026 Valentine's Day alert.
Red flags
- They quickly want to leave the dating app and chat somewhere else.
- They avoid meeting in person or on a live video call.
- They ask you to send money, or they offer a too-good business deal.
- They want private photos or personal information early in the relationship.
What to do
- Do not send money or share bank details or private photos with someone you have not met safely.
- Tell a trusted friend or family member about the relationship, and save copies of the messages.
- Block the person and report the profile to the dating app or social network.
- Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov, ic3.gov, and your state attorney general. If crypto was involved, you may also need to tell the platform, the SEC, or the CFTC.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.