The stranded traveller
They're finally coming to see you, but they're stuck at an airport: a lost wallet, a visa fee, an unpaid hotel. A small transfer would fix it.
Is it a romance scam?
Tick everything that's true about the person you're talking to. It takes a minute, and nothing you tick leaves your browser.
Nothing ticked yet
Tick anything that matches your conversation. If none of these apply, that's a good sign, and it's still worth reading the stories below.
No checklist can prove that someone is or isn't genuine. It helps you see patterns that are easy to miss when you care about someone.
The stories romance scammers tell
The investor
They're doing well trading crypto and want to show you how. The platform looks real, the profits grow, and withdrawing always needs one more fee.
The faraway professional
A soldier, a surgeon with an aid group, an engineer on an oil rig. The job explains every missed call, and eventually a fee to release leave or wages.
The parcel
They've sent you a gift, but customs is holding it. A courier asks you to pay the release fee, and then another.
The sudden emergency
A child in hospital, a frozen account, a business deal about to collapse. It's always urgent, and the money is always a loan.
If you've already sent money
- Contact your bank or card provider straight away. Some payments can be stopped or recovered if you're quick.
- Report it to the police. Many countries also have a fraud reporting service online.
- Stop all contact, and don't send anything more, even to "get your money back".
- Keep your messages, payment receipts and their profile details as evidence.
- Talk to someone. Romance scams are designed to feel real, and being caught by one is nothing to be ashamed of.
Questions people ask
How can I tell if someone online is a scammer?
Look for a pattern rather than one sign: fast declarations of love, excuses to avoid video calls and meeting, a story that keeps shifting, and, sooner or later, a request for money or help with money. A live video call and a reverse image search of their photos answer a lot.
Would a scammer really wait months before asking for money?
Yes. Romance scammers are patient. Many spend weeks or months building trust before the first request, because a request from someone you feel close to is much harder to refuse.
They've never asked for money. Can it still be a scam?
It can. Some scams ask for intimate photos, personal documents or your help receiving money, and some only get to money later. If several signs fit, slow down anyway.
Is my answer saved anywhere?
No. The checklist runs in your browser, and nothing you tick is sent to Ameluno or anyone else.
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Safer international dating on Ameluno
Ameluno is built for meeting people in other countries. You can report any profile or message from the chat, and every report is reviewed by a person.
How we keep members safe