How to Report a Dating Scammer and Preserve Useful Evidence

Act quickly: contain any payment or account exposure first, then preserve the profile and messages before they disappear.

Continue Your Research Safely

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation when you visit or use an external service through links on this website. Available offers may depend on your location, device, and eligibility.

A gloved hand seals a clear archival box containing a disconnected payment card, a blank memory card, and a small metal token

Published by Connection Compass

Contain the loss and preserve what may disappear

Contain the loss and preserve what may disappear

Stop sending money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, credentials, verification codes, documents, or other personal information. If money was sent, contact the bank, card issuer, wire service, payment app, gift-card issuer, or cryptocurrency platform immediately; transaction options can be time-sensitive. If you shared login credentials or verification codes, secure the affected accounts through their official channels.

Before blocking the person or removing an account, capture the dating profile, username or other identifier, messages, dates, payment requests, phone numbers, email addresses, links, and transaction records. Save screenshots and copies in a place you can access later.

What To Know About Romance Scams · Romance Scams

Send reports to every channel with a separate role

  1. Report the profile through the dating service’s fraud or impersonation process, then block further contact. An in-app report addresses the account on that service; it does not report the loss to your bank or to government agencies.
  2. Notify the bank or payment provider separately if a transaction occurred. Provide the transaction details and the evidence you saved.
  3. File a consumer fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission using its official reporting form.
  4. File an internet-crime complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, commonly called IC3, using its official form.
  5. Use IdentityTheft.gov if your Social Security number or other identifying information was misused or exposed.
  6. Contact emergency services or local law enforcement when there are threats, extortion, stalking, or immediate danger.

What To Know About Romance Scams · Romance Scams

Keep a case file and avoid recovery scams

  • Keep a chronological summary of contact, requests, payments, reports, and follow-up actions.
  • Retain evidence copies, transaction identifiers, submission dates, confirmation numbers, and messages from financial institutions or platforms.
  • Follow up only through verified official contact channels. Do not rely on search-result advertisements when finding a reporting site or account-support contact.
  • Reject anyone who promises guaranteed recovery in exchange for an upfront payment, more personal information, or additional cryptocurrency.
  • The process is complete when the account is blocked and reported, relevant payment or identity exposure has been addressed, and your evidence timeline and confirmation numbers are retained.

References