An illustrative example
“I want to visit, but my account is frozen. Could you send the travel money? Please don’t let anyone come between us.”
Warning signs to look for
- Repeated reasons they cannot meet in person.
- Requests for money, gift cards, account access, or help moving funds.
- Pressure to keep the relationship or investment secret.
What you can do
- Pause payments and avoid sharing financial details or identity documents.
- Discuss the request with someone you trust who is outside the relationship.
- If you are helping a loved one, listen without judging. Focus on the money request and offer to check it together.
Talk about it together
Try starting with:
“I’m glad you have someone to talk to. Can we look at this request together before any money is sent?”
Sources and further reading
Scamwatch: relationship scamsGeneral educational information. Reporting routes and protections vary by country.