Is an online romance that keeps asking for money a scam?
Yes. If someone you're dating online — but have never met in person — repeatedly asks for money, gift cards, or your account details, it is a romance scam.
What it is
A scammer builds a romantic relationship on a dating app or social media, then invents emergencies — medical bills, travel costs, a stuck inheritance — to keep asking you for money.
How to spot it
They profess strong feelings quickly but avoid meeting in person or on live video.
There's always a reason they can't travel to see you.
A financial emergency comes up that only you can solve.
They ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
What to do
Stop sending money and talk to someone you trust before doing anything else. Do a reverse-image search of their photos and report the profile.
When in doubt, slow down. A real credit union, business, or agency is fine with you hanging up and calling back on a number you look up yourself.