Romance · Postal era – online today
The Romance Scam
A charming stranger appears online, builds a slow, devoted relationship, and eventually starts asking for money to solve one emergency after another.
The Tinder Swindler
Investigative reporting
The clearest look at how a romance scam actually unfolds.
Now broadcasting: The Romance Scam
The short of it
The Romance Scam is a romance that dates to the Postal era – online today. A charming stranger appears online, builds a slow, devoted relationship, and eventually starts asking for money to solve one emergency after another. The tell is usually simple: someone falls in love without ever meeting in person. If you remember one thing, remember this — never send money to someone you haven't met.
Warning Signs
- Someone falls in love without ever meeting in person.
- Camera and phone calls are always 'broken'.
- Financial emergencies begin once trust is established.
Protect Yourself
- Never send money to someone you haven't met.
- Reverse-image search their photos.
- Tell a trusted friend or family member early.
Read Deeper
The Tinder Swindler
Investigative reporting
A modern romance scam played out across continents, told by the women who lived it.
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Watch it unfold
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Play the grift
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