ScamBoard guide · 9 October 2026

Romance scam experiences: online relationships and money requests

Romance scam accounts often make more sense when the contributor can explain the relationship over time. A story can show how trust developed and how the first request turned into repeated demands.

Describe the change in the relationship

Explain where you met, how long you spoke, and when money or investment first entered the conversation. The sequence matters more than a dramatic label. If a person repeatedly avoided meeting or asked you to keep payments secret, describe the actual messages.

A personal connection can become an investment pitch

The FTC warns that online romance approaches can turn into cryptocurrency investment scams. A relationship does not make a trading website or payment request legitimate. Be cautious about sending money to someone you have not met.

Protect intimate and identifying details

Do not upload intimate photos or expose your home address, identity documents or other people’s private information. You can explain the experience without sharing every message. If you feel threatened, seek appropriate local help rather than negotiating through a public report.

Can I share a romance scam anonymously?

ScamBoard does not require a public name. Avoid details in the story or screenshots that identify you if you want to stay anonymous. Technical service data may still be processed, as explained in the privacy information.

Community experiences

No matching public experiences yet. You can share what happened to you without a public account.

Your experience could help someone else

Explain what happened, how you were contacted and what the other person asked you to do. No public account or name is required.

Share your scam experience