Guide
Worried a parent is in a romance scam? How to spot it and start the conversation
Warning signs that a parent's online relationship is a romance scam, and calm, practical ways to talk about it without shame or arguments.
Romance Scams
Romance scammers build a relationship over weeks or months through dating sites, social media or a "wrong number" text. They are attentive and kind, but there is always a reason they cannot meet in person or turn on a video camera. Eventually there is an emergency, a travel problem, or an investment opportunity — and a request for money.
People of every age and education level are taken in by these scams, and many feel too embarrassed to tell anyone. If you are worried about a parent or friend, the articles below include gentle ways to start the conversation.
Guides
Where to report romance scams
Reporting helps investigators spot patterns and warn others — even if you did not lose money. Type these addresses yourself or use the links below; do not use links from a suspicious message.
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Any scam, fraud or bad business practice — calls, texts, emails, websites and impostors.
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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Online and computer-related fraud, including tech-support, romance, investment and crypto scams.
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National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice)
Free help for people 60 and older: case managers help you report and plan next steps. Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern.
You can also report to your state attorney general. If you sent money, call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card.
Other scam types
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Government impostors
Callers and texts pretending to be Social Security, the IRS or Medicare. How to recognize them and where to report them. -
Phone scams
Impostor calls, robocalls, fake prizes and spoofed caller ID. How the most common phone scams work and what to say — or not say. -
Text message scams
Fake fraud alerts, package and toll texts, "wrong number" chats and job offers. Real examples of scam texts and how to report them. -
Email & phishing
Fake emails, look-alike websites and spoofed senders that try to steal passwords, card numbers and personal details. How to spot and report them. -
Delivery & toll texts
Fake texts about a package you missed or an unpaid toll. Learn what the real ones look like and what to do if you clicked. -
Tech support
Pop-ups and calls claiming your computer is infected or hacked. How the scam works, the warning signs, and how to recover. -
Family emergency
A call from a "grandchild" in trouble who needs money fast — now sometimes using a cloned voice. How to check before you pay. -
Social media
Fake ads and shops, hacked friends, Marketplace tricks and investment "coaches" on social media. How to spot them and protect your account. -
Investment & crypto
Fake trading platforms, "guaranteed" returns and crypto ATMs. How to spot investment fraud before you send money. -
Bank & Zelle
Fake fraud alerts from "your bank" and payment-app tricks. What your real bank will never ask and how to protect your accounts. -
Medicare & health
Calls offering "free" equipment, new cards or plan changes in exchange for your Medicare number. How to protect your benefits.