Dating safely
Most people you meet are exactly who they say. These habits protect you from the few who aren’t.
Watch for love bombing
Being called a soulmate within weeks, over-the-top compliments, lavish gifts and constant messages can be signs of love bombing, which the US National Domestic Violence Hotline describes as a form of emotional abuse. Someone who is serious about you will respect your pace.
Never send money, however serious it feels (UK)
Never send money, crypto or gift cards to someone you have not met face to face, and be wary of anyone who avoids video calls. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report romance fraud to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. If you have sent money, call your bank straight away.
Source: Report Fraud
Reporting romance scams in the US
Go slow, ask questions, and never send money to someone you do not know personally. In the US, file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your state attorney general's office can also help.
Source: FBI