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Dating or Defrauding? Avoid Romance Scams

Reports to the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation show romance scams continue to cause devastating losses. FBI offices across the U.S. estimate $10 billion is lost annually to relationship and romance scams. In Washington State alone, FTC data from the first three quarters of 2025 shows losses exceeding $22 million.

DFI is joining a national effort to help people who live in Washington spot and avoid romance scams.

Below you will find clear guidance, warning signs, and trusted resources.

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How Romance Scams Usually Work

Romance scams may look different on the surface, but many follow the same pattern.

  • Scammers contact people through dating apps, social media, or messaging apps.
  • They build trust over time but make excuses for not meeting in person.
  • They create urgency by claiming an emergency or offering a special opportunity.
  • They ask for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • Once money is sent, it is often difficult or impossible to recover.

Beware of fake investment platforms

Some romance scams involve fake investment platforms. A scammer may claim to be an expert trader or introduce a professional-looking website for cryptocurrency, precious metals, or foreign currency trading.

These platforms can appear legitimate and may show large profits, but the results are controlled by scammers. Victims are often encouraged to make repeated investments, each larger than the last, until their money is gone.

What to Watch For

Warning signs of romance and relationship investment scams include someone who:

  • Cannot or will not meet in person.
  • Pressures you to move the relationship quickly or keep it secret.
  • Moves conversations off dating or social platforms to private or encrypted messaging apps.
  • Claims to be, or know, an expert in cryptocurrency, forex, or precious metals.
  • Offers to help you trade or invest money.
  • Requests payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or hard-to-trace methods.

Tips to Protect Yourself

  • Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have only met online.
  • Do not share personal or financial information on dating apps or social media.
  • Be cautious of relationships that move very quickly or involve urgent requests.
  • Be skeptical of investment opportunities promoted by someone you met online.
  • Do not respond to “wrong number” text messages or join random group chats.
  • Limit who can see your information by reviewing privacy settings on apps and devices.
  • Only invest with regulated entities and verify registration before sending money.
  • Never risk more money than you can afford to lose.

If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Take these steps as soon as possible if you believe you may be a victim:

  • Stop all communication with the scammer.
  • Do not send additional money or information.
  • Check your bank and credit accounts for unauthorized activity.
  • Contact your bank or credit union immediately if money was sent.
  • Report the scam to the appropriate authorities listed below.

Beware of recovery scams

After losing money, victims are often contacted again with promises to recover their funds — usually for an upfront fee.

  • Recovering money lost to fraud is rare, especially when cryptocurrency is involved.
  • Requests for upfront fees to recover money are a red flag.
  • This is a form of advance-fee fraud.
  • You are better off reporting the fraud directly to authorities.

How to Report Fraud

More Information and Resources

General Information

Investment & Financial Scams

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