Love or a Lie? How to Spot and Avoid Romance Scams

A Fraud Prevention Guide from TopLine Financial Credit Union.

In today’s digital world, finding connections online — whether through dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms — can feel exciting and hopeful. But unfortunately, not every interaction is genuine. Scammers are increasingly using romantic relationships to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting people. These are known as romance scams, and they can cause serious financial and emotional harm.

What Is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam is a type of fraud in which a scammer builds what seems like a sincere personal connection with someone online and then uses that relationship to manipulate the person into sending money, sharing financial details, or providing personal information. Scammers often use fake profiles, stolen photos, and elaborate stories to create trust quickly.

These scammers may claim to:

• Live or work overseas.
• Be unable to meet in person due to travel or job constraints.
• Have an emergency requiring your financial help.
• Need money for travel, medical costs, or other expenses they describe as urgent or unavoidable.

Once trust is established, their requests for help slowly escalate, eventually leading to financial loss for the victim.

Common Red Flags

Here are some signs that someone you’re communicating with could be a scammer:

• They refuse or delay video calls or in-person meetings with plausible excuses.
• They declare strong feelings very quickly and push for an emotional connection.
• They ask you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, money apps, or cryptocurrency.
• Their stories are vague, inconsistent, or too perfect.

They try to move communication off the original platform to private email or messaging.

What TopLine Wants You to Know

At TopLine Financial Credit Union, your safety is our priority. We will never contact you asking for your personal banking details, account numbers, PINs, or authentication codes. If someone claiming to be from TopLine contacts you with such a request, it’s a scam.

How to Protect Yourself

Before you interact financially with someone you meet online:

• Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person.
• Talk to friends or family about your online connection. An outside perspective can help you see red flags.
• Reverse image search profile photos to see if they’re being used elsewhere under different names.
• Stay on the dating platform as long as possible — scammers often try to move conversations to private apps or email quickly.

If you suspect a scam, stop all communication immediately and report the account to the site or app.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe someone may be trying to scam you — whether through romance or another scheme — contact TopLine immediately at (763) 391-9494, or use the number on the back of your TopLine debit/credit card if it’s after hours. Our team can help you secure your accounts and walk you through next steps.