Romance scam

A romance scam is when a criminal creates a fake online relationship to get money. Scammers use stolen or AI-generated photos and often claim jobs that keep them far away, such as military deployment, offshore engineering or overseas medical work. They express strong feelings quickly, move chats to private apps, and avoid live video calls or meetings. Eventually they ask for help with an emergency: medical bills, customs fees, travel costs or a frozen account. Some also pull victims into investment scams or ask them to move money, making them unwitting money mules. Never send money to someone you have only met online, and talk to someone you trust.