Romance Scam: Online Partner Asking for Money by Email — UK and AU Guide
Someone you've been corresponding with online has asked you to send money — perhaps via bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. They always have a reason they can't meet in person. If an online relationship involves money requests, it is very likely a scam, no matter how real the connection feels.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Emotional and Financial Manipulation
If someone you've only met online is asking you to send money by any method — bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards — it is very likely a romance scam, regardless of how strong the connection feels.
Someone you've been communicating with online — through a dating site, social media, or email — has developed what feels like a genuine relationship with you. They're attentive, caring, and make you feel valued. But they always have a reason they can't meet in person or appear on a video call.
Then the money requests begin. They might need help with medical bills, legal fees, travel costs, or a business problem. Each time there's a new crisis, and each time they promise to repay you. The amounts grow larger. By the time victims realize the truth, they may have sent tens of thousands of pounds.
Action Fraud reported that romance fraud cost UK victims over 92 million pounds in the year ending March 2023. In Australia, the ACCC's Scamwatch reported over $40.5 million in romance scam losses in 2023 alone. These figures represent only reported cases — the actual losses are estimated to be significantly higher.
Red Flags
- Declares love or deep feelings very quickly
- Claims to be overseas — military deployment, oil rig, business trip
- Always has an excuse to avoid video calls or in-person meetings
- Asks for money via bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
- Stories become increasingly dramatic — accidents, arrests, hospital stays
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Stop sending money immediately — no matter what reason they give
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the relationship
- Do a reverse image search on their profile photos
- Save all messages and emails as evidence
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) or Scamwatch (AU)
How to Verify Legitimately
Use Google Images or TinEye to do a reverse image search on their profile photos. If the same photos appear under different names, you're dealing with a scammer using stolen images. Ask for a live video call — persistent refusal is a strong indicator of fraud. You can also search for their name combined with "scam" to see if others have reported the same person.
Sources
- Action Fraud UK — Swipe left to romance fraud — Romance fraud losses: over 92 million pounds (year ending March 2023)
- Scamwatch (ACCC) — Online dating and romance scams — 2023 romance scam losses in Australia