WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THE PERSON ONLINE MAY NOT BE WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE.

 

You may have been talking for some time, or not time at all but if you have the slightest doubt it is important you take some actions.

You may have never heard of Romance Scam but you feel things are not quite right,.

the most important thing is to act quickly and protect yourself emotionally and financially.

Scammers frequently use fake profiles on dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms.

These scams involve someone building trust and an emotional connection—often over weeks or months—before asking for money, gifts, or personal information.

There are times when, even a way into the scam, the stories get less believable and doubts come in. Like a serious illness ! Do not leave it and see what happens. There are only so many bad things that can happen to someone ! so many disasters or cries for help. Keep in mind nobody anywhere in the world needs money sent.

THIS IS YOUR MONEY AND IT ISN’T COMING BACK.

Take steps to change things as soon as you are unsure.

WHAT I AM GOING TO SAY NOW MAY BE THE HARDEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE. Your emotions are invested in this person. But stand to one side and go over everything. Talk to yourself ! As if you were telling a friend a story of what has happened, that is the best way of seeing if it sounds a bit strange.

Immediate Steps to Take

Stop all communication right away.

Block the person on every platform (phone, email, social media, apps). Do not respond to further messages, even if they try to explain, apologize, or threaten you. Continuing contact gives them more chances to manipulate you. They WILL manipulate. Even cry down the phone or threaten to take their own life.. all lies and manipulation. THEY RARELY GIVE UP, they always believe they can turn you back to them! If it is a scam, you have been talking to a team of criminals. They always have time to try to keep you.

If you've already sent money or shared financial details:

Contact your bank, credit card company, payment app (e.g., PayPal, Venmo), wire transfer service (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram), gift card issuer, or crypto exchange immediately. Explain that you believe it was fraud and ask to freeze accounts, dispute charges, or attempt a recall/refund. TIME IS CRITICAL—some transactions can be reversed if reported fast.

IF YOU ARE IN THE USA, report if your Social Security Number has been given. They can do a lot with this.

Talk to someone you trust.

Confide in a friend, family member, or counselor. They can offer an outside perspective and emotional support. Scammers often try to isolate victims, so reconnecting with real people helps.

Gather and preserve evidence (but don't send more).

Save screenshots of conversations, profiles, photos, payment receipts, and any other details. This helps with reporting.

THAT SILENCE YOU GIVE THEM IS IMPORTANT. Now you have taken matters into your own hands and you won’t be managed by them. YOU HAVE GAINED CONTROL