Sending Money to Someone You Met Online
A partner, friend or business contact you have only met online asks for money. The questions that expose most romance and friendship scams, and why the answer is almost always no.
Online relationships can be real and meaningful. But when someone you have never met in person asks for money, the risk of a scam is very high, however long you have talked and however sincere they seem.
Questions that expose most scams
- Have we met in person? If not, why not, and why do plans always fall through?
- Why can't they get the money elsewhere? Family, employer, bank?
- Why the urgency? Customs, medical bills, travel fees, a frozen account?
- Why this payment method? Gift cards, crypto or transfers to someone else's account? See why scammers want these.
- What do people close to me think? Would I be comfortable telling them?
If you have never met, do not send money. It is the single rule that stops most romance and friendship scams.
Common stories
- Stuck abroad, needing a ticket home.
- A parcel held at customs. See romance parcel scams.
- A great investment they want to share. See relationship investment scams.
- A medical emergency.
Related: romance scammer signs and after a romance scam. For more, see our guide to financial scams.
Frequently asked questions
Is it ever safe to send money to someone I only know online?
It is very risky. Scams frequently involve long, genuine-feeling relationships before money is requested.
They have video called me. Doesn't that prove they're real?
Video can be faked, and even a real person can be running a scam. The money request is what matters.
What if I already sent money?
Stop sending more, contact your bank or provider, report the scam and talk to someone you trust.
Sources
- What To Know About Romance Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- What To Know Before You Wire Money, US Federal Trade Commission
- Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money, US Federal Trade Commission
