Love online?

How to keep your heart and wallet safe

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In today’s digital age, finding romance online has become as normal as ordering dinner via an app.

The thrill of meeting someone new across the screen can spark hope, connection and excitement. But alongside that promise comes a very real threat: sophisticated schemes known as romance or love scams. These are not just heartbreakers — they can be financially devastating. The good news is that with awareness and a few smart habits you can protect yourself.

Scammers typically begin by crafting a compelling, emotionally charged connection. They may send flattering messages, infuse their conversation with declarations of affection, and present themselves as deeply compatible. Then the shift happens: they ask for money, a favour, financial detail or gift cards. The charm feels real enough—but the story behind it is not. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) explains that in romance scams “a criminal uses a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust ... The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.”