Romance and online friend scams
My new online friend needs money. Should I send it?
What it looks like
Someone kind and attentive starts chatting online or by text. Over weeks they build trust. They always have a reason they cannot meet or video chat. Then there is an emergency, or a sure-thing investment, and they ask for money. The FBI warns that scammers now use AI to make photos, videos, and messages look real.
What to do
- Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you have not met in person.
- Talk to a family member or friend before sending anything.
- Search their photo online to see if it shows up under other names.
- If you sent money, tell your bank and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Get the Staying Safe From Scams Kit
Sources: FBI IC3: Criminals use AI to commit fraud, FTC: Romance scams
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