Requests for money or financial help
Be cautious if someone you have not met asks for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, loans, travel fees or help with an emergency. Romance scammers may build emotional trust before introducing a financial crisis.
Do not share banking details, payment codes or account access. If you have sent money and suspect fraud, contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible.
Intense affection followed by pressure
Someone may use very strong declarations early on and then pressure you to commit, keep secrets or make decisions quickly. Affection should not be used to make you ignore your own judgement.
Take your time. A person who respects you will allow a connection to develop at a pace that feels comfortable for both of you.
Avoiding reasonable identity checks
Repeated excuses for avoiding a live conversation or safe, reasonable ways to confirm who they are may be a reason to pause. Images and profile details can be copied or misrepresented.
Do not send identity documents to prove yourself. If you choose to verify a person's identity, use methods that do not expose sensitive information.
Trying to isolate you or move you away from safety tools
Be alert if someone insists that you keep the relationship secret, discourages you from speaking to friends, or quickly pushes you to another platform where reporting and blocking are harder.
A respectful person will not punish you for seeking advice or using available safety features.
Ignoring boundaries or using threats
Repeated unwanted sexual messages, demands for private photos, blackmail, threats or attempts to control your movements are serious warning signs. You do not need to continue the conversation.
Save relevant evidence if it is safe to do so, block and report the account, and seek help from trusted people or appropriate authorities if you feel threatened.
Meet safely and protect personal information
For a first meeting, choose a public place, arrange your own transport and tell someone you trust where you will be. Keep your home address, passwords, verification codes and financial information private.
If you feel in immediate danger, leave if you can and contact local emergency services. Your safety matters more than being polite.