What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed by a Fake Dating Profile

You’re Not Alone And It’s Not Your Fault

Every day, thousands of Americans are scammed by fake dating profiles.

From fake soldiers to sweet-talkers promising love and money, these scammers know exactly how to play on emotions.

If it happened to you take a breath.

You’re not alone, and there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself and recover.

1. Cut All Contact Immediately

Do not try to confront them. Most romance scammers are part of organized networks that manipulate and retaliate.

2. Report the Scam

Report the profile to the dating app or site you used.

Most platforms have built-in tools to report fake accounts.

Also report to:

FBI Internet Crime Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov

If you sent money, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to reverse or block the transaction.

3. Change All Your Passwords

Scammers might have collected sensitive data like:

Your full name

Birth date

Photos or ID

Email logins

Update passwords and enable 2-factor authentication on all accounts.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

Romance scams are emotionally painful.

Victims often feel ashamed but you did nothing wrong.

Talk to a trusted friend, counselor, or support group.

You're not alone.

5. Learn the Red Flags for Next Time

Want to protect yourself from future scams?

Read this next: 10 Signs Your Online Crush Is Actually a Catfish

6. Use Only Verified Dating Platforms

To lower the risk of scams, use dating platforms that verify users, screen profiles, and actively ban fake accounts.

Want safer options?

Getting scammed on a dating app is devastating but you can recover.

By taking action now, reporting the fraud, and shifting to safer platforms, you’ll protect yourself and help others too.

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