Romance Scam Awareness Guide for Indian Citizens

What is this scam?

A romance scam is a type of fraud where a scammer pretends to be in a romantic relationship with a victim to exploit their emotions for financial gain. These scams often occur through online platforms such as social media, dating apps, or even messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Scammers create fake profiles, often using stolen photos and fabricated identities to build a connection with their victims. They may engage in long conversations, share personal stories, and develop a sense of intimacy, leading victims to trust them deeply.

Once a relationship is established, the scammer will fabricate a crisis or emergency that requires financial assistance. This could involve claiming to need money for medical bills, travel expenses, or other fabricated situations. Victims are often manipulated into sending money, believing they are helping their partner.

These scams can be devastating, as they not only lead to financial losses but can also cause emotional distress and feelings of betrayal. It's crucial to be aware of the tactics used by these scammers and to recognize the signs early on.

60-second explainer

How it happens in real life

Ravi, a 45-year-old man from Pune, met a woman named 'Anita' on a popular dating app. They exchanged messages for weeks, and Ravi felt a strong connection with her. Anita shared her life story, claiming to be a nurse working abroad, and they often discussed their dreams of being together.

One day, Anita contacted Ravi in distress, saying she was in a financial crisis and needed money for a medical emergency. Ravi, feeling emotionally invested, sent her money through UPI, believing he was helping the love of his life. Over time, Anita continued to create more emergencies, and Ravi lost a significant amount of money before realizing he was a victim of a romance scam.

Got a suspicious call, message, or link? Do this immediately

These steps apply to almost every fraud in India — UPI scams, fake bank calls, job offers, investment tips, courier fraud, and government impersonation. Follow them before you share anything or pay anyone.

Stop — do not engage further

Hang up the call immediately — do not stay on the line out of politeness or fear.
Do not reply to the SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email — even to say “wrong number”.
Do not click any link, QR code, or attachment they sent.
Do not call back numbers they give you — use only official numbers from your bank card or website.
If they claim urgency (“account blocked in 2 hours”), treat that as a scam signal and pause.
Tell the caller you will verify independently and end the conversation.

Never share or allow

Never share OTP, PIN, CVV, ATM PIN, or net-banking password — not even with “bank staff” or “police”.
Never approve a UPI collect request or enter UPI PIN to “receive” a refund — receiving money never needs your PIN.
Never install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport, or unknown APK files they ask you to download.
Never enable screen sharing or “remote help” on your phone or laptop for an unknown caller.
Never send photos of Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or bank statements to an unsolicited contact.
Never transfer money for “verification”, “processing fee”, “customs charge”, or “KYC update”.
Never share your SIM or swap SIM at a shop because someone on the phone told you to.

Block, delete, and disconnect

Block the phone number on your dialer and on WhatsApp.
Leave and report suspicious WhatsApp / Telegram groups.
Delete any app or APK you installed because they asked — uninstall fully, not just remove icon.
Mark the email as spam/phishing and delete it after saving evidence.
Turn off “Unknown caller” callbacks and do not add them to contacts.
If you joined a video call with them, leave immediately and close the app.

Save evidence before you delete anything

Screenshot the full chat, including phone number, profile name, and date/time.
Save SMS with sender ID and message text.
If safe and legal in your state, record a short clip of a repeat call for reporting.
Note the exact time, amount (if any), UPI ID, and transaction reference number.
Save emails with headers visible; forward a copy to yourself before deleting.
Photograph QR codes or payment pages they sent — do not scan them.
Write down what they claimed (bank name, department, officer name) while memory is fresh.

Verify independently — never through them

Call your bank using the toll-free number printed on your debit/credit card or passbook.
Visit your bank branch in person if large money or KYC is mentioned.
Open your bank or UPI app manually — never via their link — and check for alerts.
Search the organisation name on its official .gov.in or .co.in website, not Google ads.
Ask a trusted family member or friend before sending money or sharing OTP.
Use our message checker if you are unsure about a text or WhatsApp forward.

Protect your accounts and devices

Change net-banking and UPI PINs from a device you trust — not one they had you install software on.
Enable transaction limits and alerts in your bank app and UPI app (Paytm, PhonePe, GPay, etc.).
If you shared OTP or logged in on a suspicious link, call the bank fraud hotline to block cards/UPI.
Run a malware scan if you installed an unknown app; consider factory reset if remote access was granted.
Turn on two-factor authentication where available; use biometrics for UPI where supported.
Check your bank SMS history for unknown debits in the last 48 hours.

Report and warn others

Call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) if money was lost or you shared OTP/PIN.
File a report at cybercrime.gov.in — keep the acknowledgement number.
Inform your bank’s fraud desk and request account/card/UPI freeze if needed.
Warn family members — scammers often target the same household next.
Report the number to your telecom provider’s spam reporting channel (1909 for SMS spam).
Share a warning in your local community so others do not fall for the same script.

Also specific to this scam type

Do not send any money or financial information.
Block the number or profile immediately.
Save all communications for evidence.
Inform family or friends about the situation.
Verify their identity through official channels.
Do not engage in further conversation with the scammer.
Report the profile to the platform or app.
Consider reaching out to a support group for victims.
Stay calm and do not act impulsively.
Educate yourself about romance scams to avoid future incidents.

How it works — step by step

Creating a Fake Profile
Scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, using attractive photos and appealing bios to attract potential victims. They may steal images from real people and craft a backstory that resonates with the target.
Building Trust and Emotional Connection
Once a victim shows interest, the scammer invests time in building a relationship. They engage in long conversations, share personal stories, and express affection, creating a false sense of intimacy and trust.
Introducing a Crisis
After establishing a connection, the scammer will introduce a fabricated crisis. This could be a medical emergency, a legal issue, or a sudden financial need, designed to elicit sympathy and urgency from the victim.
Requesting Money
The scammer will then ask the victim for money, often using emotional manipulation. They may claim they cannot access their funds due to various reasons, such as being overseas or needing to pay a hospital directly.
Continuing the Deception
If the victim sends money, the scammer will often create more emergencies to continue extracting funds. They may use various excuses and stories to keep the victim engaged and emotionally invested.
Avoiding Detection
Scammers often use various tactics to avoid detection, such as changing their phone numbers or using VPNs to mask their location. They may also pressure victims to keep their relationship a secret, isolating them from friends and family.
Disappearing
Eventually, when the victim becomes suspicious or stops sending money, the scammer may suddenly disappear or block the victim, leaving them heartbroken and financially devastated.

Why this scam works

Romance scams succeed due to the emotional vulnerabilities of individuals seeking companionship. Scammers exploit feelings of loneliness and desire for love, making it easy to manipulate victims into trusting them.

Additionally, the urgency created by fabricated crises plays a crucial role. Victims often feel pressured to act quickly to help their 'partner,' leading them to bypass their usual caution and judgment, which further facilitates the scam.

Who is most at risk

Individuals seeking companionship, especially those who are lonely or recently divorced, are often targeted. Scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities, making it easier to manipulate victims into trusting them and sending money.

What scammers say to pressure you

Mujhe emergency mein paise chahiye.
Main bahar hoon, meri bank account access nahi ho rahi.
Agar tum meri madad nahi karoge, toh main muskil mein aa jaungi.
Mujhe hospital bills pay karne hain, please help.
Mera passport kho gaya hai, mujhe flight book karne ke liye paise chahiye.
Tumhare bina main akeli hoon, mujhe tum par pura bharosa hai.

Warning signs

The person shares very few personal details or avoids video calls.
They ask for money under the pretext of an emergency.
Their profile seems too good to be true, with unrealistic photos.
They claim to be working overseas and cannot meet in person.
They pressure you to keep the relationship secret.
They frequently change their contact information.
Their stories are inconsistent or change over time.
They use generic terms of endearment without knowing you well.
They avoid discussing their family or friends.
They ask for sensitive information like bank details or personal identification.

Never do this

Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
Don't share personal information like your bank details.
Avoid engaging in secretive conversations.
Don't ignore red flags or gut feelings.
Never send gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment.
Don't share your OTP or passwords with anyone.
Avoid installing apps that the person suggests.
Don't believe stories that seem too dramatic or urgent.
Never ignore advice from friends or family about the relationship.
Don't rush into financial decisions based on emotional pressure.

How to verify before you trust

Conduct a reverse image search to check if their photos are stolen.
Ask for a video call to confirm their identity.
Research their claimed job or background online.
Check their social media profiles for inconsistencies.
Look for mutual friends or connections that can verify their identity.
Be cautious if they avoid meeting in person.
Contact them through official channels if they claim to be in a specific location.
Ask specific questions that only the real person would know.
Trust your instincts; if something feels off, investigate further.

How to stay safe

Sample scam messages — do not trust these

Real frauds often arrive as SMS, WhatsApp, or calls that look official. These are typical examples — banks and government never ask for OTP, call forwarding, or remote access this way.

WhatsApp
Baby I need Rs 15,000 for customs to release the gift I sent you. I will pay back double tomorrow.
WhatsApp
My bank account is frozen abroad. Can you UPI Rs 8,000 so I can book flight to meet you?

Be cautious when sharing personal information online.
Use reputable dating platforms with verification processes.
Keep conversations on the platform until you trust the person.
Educate yourself about common scams and tactics.
Discuss your online relationships with trusted friends or family.
Avoid sending money or gifts to online acquaintances.
Set boundaries and don't rush into emotional commitments.
Be skeptical of overly romantic or flattering language.
Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity.
Report suspicious profiles to the platform immediately.
Trust your gut feelings; if something feels wrong, investigate.
Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics.

If you suspect a scam right now

Stop all communication with the scammer.
Block their number or account on social media.
Save screenshots of conversations and any financial transactions.
Report the scammer to the dating platform or social media.
Contact your bank to secure your accounts.
Inform family members about the situation.
Consider reaching out to a local cybercrime unit.
Monitor your financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

Emergency recovery

Immediately report the scam to your bank and freeze your accounts.
Contact 1930 for guidance on cybercrime reporting.
Report the incident at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
Change passwords for your online accounts.
Monitor your credit report for unusual activity.
Inform your friends and family about the scam.
Seek emotional support from trusted individuals.
Consider consulting with a legal professional if necessary.
Document everything related to the scam for future reference.
Stay vigilant against further scams or phishing attempts.

Call 1930 · cybercrime.gov.in

Official reporting

FAQ

What should I do if I think I'm being scammed?: Stop all communication with the scammer and report the situation to your bank and local authorities. Document all interactions for evidence.
How can I tell if someone is a scammer?: Look for red flags such as requests for money, reluctance to meet in person, and inconsistencies in their stories.
Is it safe to send money to someone I met online?: No, it's not safe to send money to someone you've only met online. Always verify their identity and intentions before considering any financial transactions.
Can I recover money lost to a romance scam?: Recovery can be challenging, but you should report the scam to your bank and local authorities. They may be able to assist you.
What if the scammer has my personal information?: If a scammer has your personal information, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider changing your passwords. Report the incident to the authorities.
Are romance scams common in India?: Yes, romance scams are increasingly common in India, especially with the rise of online dating and social media.
How can I protect myself from romance scams?: Educate yourself about the signs of scams, be cautious with personal information, and discuss your online relationships with trusted friends or family.
What should I do if I feel embarrassed about being scammed?: Remember, you are not alone, and many people have fallen victim to scams. Reporting the scam can help protect others.
Can scammers use fake profiles on dating apps?: Yes, scammers often create fake profiles using stolen images and identities to lure victims.
What are the legal actions I can take against a scammer?: You can report the scam to local authorities and cybercrime units. They may investigate and take action against the scammer.