DON'T GET DUPED!
DON'T GET DUPED!
DON'T GET DUPED!
Romance Scams CAN Break your Heart!
Americans are deceived into handing over $1 billion to scammers each year through romance scams.
These scams often start on social media and dating websites, and they can range from sham investment requests to long-term romantic cons to sextortion.
Roses are red... so are the red flags of an online scam!
Roses are red... so are the red flags of an online scam!
Roses are red... so are the red flags of an online scam!
Use our dating app simulator Phisher to learn how to spot the scammers before they try to steal your heart and your money!
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8 Things to know about Romance Scams in 2026
8 Things to know about Romance Scams in 2026
8 Things to know about Romance Scams in 2026
- Do a reverse image search of the account’s profile picture. You may see that the image belongs to a different person or has been associated with other online identities.
- Meet in a public place if you want to see if your online fling matches their profile photo. Let a trusted friend or loved one know your plans.
- Know that criminals see romance scams as a long-term time investment (days to weeks and months) because the payouts can be so good – losses per victim often range from a few thousand dollars to their life savings.
- Break off the relationship if there is a pattern of the person agreeing to meet up and then canceling at the last moment.
- End the chat if there are any requests for money or financial information.
- Contact the authorities immediately if you think you are the victim of sextortion – both your local law enforcement and the FBI. Sextortion criminals depend on you being ashamed into inaction.
- Stop talking if the person wants to move communication from the dating service to another channel, like an encrypted chatting app, email, or text.
- Save all chats and other communications with the scammer or sextortionist, as it will be vital to the investigation.
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Click to read our article about online dating and romance scams.
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Stay Safe Online. National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA). All Rights Reserved. Cy Pres | Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct | Brand Assets | Terms of Use
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Mailing Address: 717 Coliseum Drive NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Copyright ©
2026
Stay Safe Online. National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA). All Rights Reserved. Cy Pres | Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct | Brand Assets | Terms of Use
Resources
Initiatives
Special Campaigns
Mailing Address: 717 Coliseum Drive NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Copyright ©
2026
Stay Safe Online. National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA). All Rights Reserved. Cy Pres | Privacy Policy | Code of Conduct | Brand Assets | Terms of Use