How to Spot an Online Friendship or Romance Scam

1. What is a friendship or romance scam?

A friendship or romance scam is when someone builds a friendly or romantic connection online so that they can ask for money, personal details or intimate photos later. The conversation can feel warm and real for days or weeks before the request comes.

Scammers often use stolen photos and invented life stories. They may message many people at once, using the same script.

2. Warning signs to watch for

• Things move very fast. Constant compliments, “I’ve never felt this way”, or talk of a future together within days.
• They always have a reason not to meet or video call. A broken camera, a job abroad, a poor connection.
• They want to move apps. They push to continue on another messenger straight away.
• Their story doesn’t add up. Details change, or their photos look like a model’s or appear elsewhere online.
• A problem appears. A medical bill, a stuck parcel, a frozen account or a travel emergency.
• They ask for money, gift cards, crypto or an OTP. Often a “small” amount first.
• They ask for secrecy. “Don’t tell your family, they won’t understand.”

One sign on its own isn’t proof. Several together are a strong reason to stop.

3. Common stories scammers use in India

• The gift or parcel: they have sent you a gift, but you must pay a “customs” or “clearance” fee to receive it.
• The investment tip: they have made money on a trading or crypto app and want to help you do the same. Early “profits” are shown to build trust, then withdrawals are blocked.
• The emergency: they, or a relative, need urgent money for a hospital, a ticket or a fine.
• The official call: someone pretending to be from the police, a courier company or a government agency says you are in trouble and must pay or stay on a video call. Indian authorities have warned that there is no such thing as a “digital arrest”.
• The task or job: easy paid tasks, such as liking videos, that later need a deposit.
• The photo trap: a flirty video call or photo exchange followed by threats to share the recording. See what to do if someone threatens to leak your photos.

4. How to check if someone is real

• Search their name, username and phone number online.
• Run a reverse image search on their profile photos.
• Ask a specific question about something they told you earlier and see if the answer matches.
• Talk it over with a friend or family member. Scams rely on secrecy.

Even if someone seems real, you can still say no to any request for money or codes.

5. How to protect yourself

• Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you have only met online.
• Never share an OTP, UPI PIN, password or card details. No genuine person or company needs them.
• Don’t install apps or click links that a new contact sends you.
• Keep chats on the app where you met, so blocking and reporting still work.
• Keep personal details, such as your address, workplace and family names, to yourself.

For more everyday habits, read how to chat with strangers safely.

6. What to do if you have already sent money

Act quickly. Call 1930, India’s cybercrime helpline, and report the fraud on cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting fast gives the best chance of stopping the payment. Then tell your bank, change any passwords or PINs you shared, and stop all contact with the scammer.

Be careful of anyone who contacts you afterwards offering to “recover” your money for a fee. That is often a second scam.

7. How to report a scam attempt

If you haven’t lost money but want to report a suspicious call, SMS or WhatsApp message, use Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi, the government’s reporting facility for suspected fraud communication. Also block and report the account on the app where you met. Our guide to reporting online harassment in India explains each route.

8. How BeAnon helps

BeAnon is a planned one-to-one chat app for adults 18+. You will be able to leave a chat, block someone and report a user or message at any time. BeAnon will never need your OTP or password in a chat, and you should never share them with another user. The Safety Center has more guidance.

FAQ

What is the biggest sign of an online scam?

A request for money, gift cards, crypto or an OTP from someone you have only met online. However genuine the story sounds, say no and stop the conversation.

Why won’t a scammer video call?

A video call could show they are not the person in their photos. Scammers usually have a ready excuse, such as a broken camera or a poor connection.

What should I do if I sent money to a scammer?

Call 1930 immediately, report it on cybercrime.gov.in, tell your bank and stop contact. Quick reporting gives the best chance of stopping the payment.

Where can I report a scam call or message in India?

Use the Chakshu facility on sancharsaathi.gov.in for suspected fraud calls and messages. If you have lost money, call 1930 and report it on cybercrime.gov.in.