Romance Scams

Scammers will try anything to steal from you -- including posing as a potential love interest. BBB has tips to help you spot scammers and protect both your heart and your wallet.

Person writing "Romance Scam" on piece of paper next to a mug of coffee

BBB Scam Alert: Romance scam promises a “sugar momma”

In this new romance scam, a con artist offers to become your “sugar momma” (or “sugar daddy") and pay your bills. But it's just a way to trick victims out of money.

BBB Scam Alert: Looking for love? Don't fall for a fake dating website

There's a new type of romance scam making the rounds -- in this con, it’s the entire dating website that’s a sham.

Illustration of a long shadow heart with a bitcoin sign.

BBB Scam Alert: Swiping right on Tinder? Watch out for cryptocurrency scams

Cryptocurrency scams are targeting people on popular dating sites and apps. Don't let your quest for love blind you to red flags.

Scam Alert: This romance scam tricks victims into laundering money

Scammers are using people to funnel stolen money out of the country.

Sending I love you text message with mobile phone. Online dating, texting or catfishing concept. Romance fraud, scam or deceit with smartphone. Man writing comment.

Romance scams

The specifics may change, but here are some basic tips you can use to protect yourself against a variety of romance scams.

Scam Tracker

Help us investigate and warn others by reporting what you know about romance scams.

How scammers use impersonation, blackmail, and trickery to steal from unsuspecting daters

This study looks at the inner workings of online romance scams and helps potential targets and reputable dating services avoid this widespread and devastating fraud

Fall in love, go to jail

BBB Report on How Some Romance Fraud Victims Become Money Mules