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Action Guide Scams & Fraud Reviewed Sep 7, 2026 Source: Federal Trade Commission

Romance Scam

What to do when someone builds a relationship online and then asks for money, crypto, gift cards or emergency help.

Start With First Steps Evidence Checklist Reporting Path Open Defentra
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01

Right Summary

The main consumer right or issue explained fast

Romance scams use trust, emotional pressure and isolation to convince victims to send money or personal information.

02

What This Means

Plain-English breakdown of the problem

The scammer may claim to be overseas, military, working on a project, unable to access money, dealing with a medical emergency, needing travel funds or offering investment opportunities.

03

What To Save

Evidence that can matter later
Proof Receipts, bills, letters, emails, screenshots, account records, photos, videos or notices.
Timeline Dates, times, names, phone numbers, websites, payment details and support case numbers.
Responses Save every reply from the business, bank, collector, agency, platform or provider.

Save profile URLs, usernames, messages, phone numbers, photos, payment proof, wallet addresses, gift card numbers and any video/audio contact.

04

What To Do First

The first clean action path

Stop sending money, preserve evidence, report the profile and contact the payment provider immediately if money was sent.

05

What Not To Do

Common mistakes that can make the issue worse

Do not send more money for fees, emergencies or recovery. Do not trust guaranteed recovery services. Do not delete chat history.

06

Where To Report Or Escalate

Possible complaint, agency, company or platform paths

FTC ReportFraud.gov, IC3 for internet crime, payment provider, dating platform or social platform.

08

Defentra / Elite Action

How this resource connects to evidence, scanning and action

Use Defentra Evidence Vault to save chats, photos, payment records and the scam timeline.

Open Defentra Report A Scam Elite Support
09

Source / Review File

Internal quality and trust signals
Resource Type Action Guide
Resource Area Scams & Fraud
Last Reviewed Sep 7, 2026
Primary Source Federal Trade Commission
10

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Educational Notice

Important limitation

This resource is educational and organizational. It is not legal advice, financial advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Rights, deadlines, reporting paths and requirements can vary by state, account type, product, service, contract, agency rules and case facts.