A romance scam is a form of fraud where a scammer builds an emotional relationship with the victim, often through social media or dating platforms, to gain trust over time. Once the emotional bond is strong, the scammer creates urgent situations such as medical emergencies, travel problems, or investment opportunities to request money. These scams can last weeks or even months, making the financial and emotional impact more severe. Victims are often manipulated into sending repeated payments through bank transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Acting quickly and reporting both to your bank and authorities is essential to reduce further losses. Step by step guide for reporting the scam
1. Stop All Contact Immediately
The moment you realize something feels wrong:
- Do not reply to any more messages.
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers.
- Do not click any links they send.
- Do not send “just one more payment.”
- Do not try to confront the scammer.
- Do not threaten them (this may escalate manipulation).
- Do not negotiate refunds directly.
- Do not share additional personal information.
- Do not verify codes sent to your phone.
- Do not allow remote access to your device.
2. Call Your Bank Immediately
Time is everything. Contact your bank’s fraud department, not just customer service.
Ask them to:
- Freeze or temporarily lock your account
- Monitor transactions for suspicious activity
- Attempt a reversal or recall (especially for wire transfers)
- Initiate a fraud dispute or chargeback
- Flag your account for suspicious activity
- Issue a new debit/credit card
- Change your account number if necessary
- Provide written confirmation of your report
- Investigate linked payment apps (PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, etc.)
- Add extra security measures to your profile
3. Change All Passwords Immediately
Assume your information is compromised.
Change passwords for:
- Bank accounts
- Email accounts
- Social media accounts
- Payment apps (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.)
- Shopping websites (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
- Mobile carrier account
- Work accounts (if accessed from same device)
4. Collect and Preserve Evidence
Documentation is critical for recovery and legal action.
Take screenshots of:
- All chat conversations
- Emails (include full header details if possible)
- Phone numbers used
- Website URLs
- Transaction receipts
- Payment confirmations
- Shipping information (if product scam)
- Fake social media profiles
- ID documents they may have sent
- Cryptocurrency wallet addresses
- IP logs if available
🇺🇸 United States
The U.S. treats romance scams as internet crime and fraud. Many victims report through federal and local law enforcement.
Report & Help:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – FBI facility : https://www.ic3.gov
This is the primary portal for reporting romance and internet scams. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Report Fraud : https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
No general hotline, but this site guides you through reporting and recovery steps.
After filing, ask your bank for a “Chargeback” or “Dispute” if the money was sent via card.
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada has a centralized anti-fraud agency that collects reports and distributes to law enforcement.
Report & Help:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) : https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm
No single national phone number, but the CAFC gathers reports and coordinates investigations. - Local police: call your non-emergency line to file a case number for your bank or insurer.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Romance scam losses are handled as fraud through national reporting.
Report & Help:
- Report Fraud to UK police (ReportFraud.police.uk) : https://www.reportfraud.police.uk
You may also contact your local police station to report the crime and obtain a case reference.
🇮🇳 India
India’s cybercrime reporting system assists victims of financial fraud, including romance scams.
Report & Help:
- National Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930 (24×7)
Call 1930 to report the scam directly or to get guidance on reporting through the official portal. - Cybercrime Reporting Portal : https://cybercrime.gov.in
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia has ScamWatch, which collects scam reports centrally.
Report & Help:
- ScamWatch – Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) : https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
Phone: 1300 795 995
🇫🇷 France
Report & Help:
- Local police station: file a complaint (“déposer une plainte”) — bring all documentation.
- French consumer watchdog: Many local prefectures also assist victims. (Contact your local police or mayor’s office for cybercrime unit referral.)
French Government Internet Scam Reporting Platform : https://internet-signalement.gouv.fr/
🇸🇬 Singapore
Report & Help:
- ScamShield & Anti-Scam Helpline 1799 (24/7) — check with this line about scams and suspicious contacts.
- https://scamshield.gov.sg
(This service can help block numbers and report possible scam interactions.)
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand has a centralized cyber security and fraud reporting structure. Online scams, including romance scams, are handled through CERT NZ and the New Zealand Police. The country encourages fast reporting because banks may attempt fund recovery if notified quickly
Report & Help:
CERT NZ – Cyber Emergency Response Team : https://www.cert.govt.nz/report/
(Official government portal for reporting online scams and cyber incidents.)
New Zealand Police : https://www.police.govt.nz
111 (Emergency)
105 (Non-emergency police reporting)
If money was recently transferred, contact your bank immediately before filing reports.
🇿🇦 South Africa
South Africa handles online fraud cases through the South African Police Service (SAPS). Cybercrime units operate within SAPS, and official case numbers are important for bank investigations and insurance claims.
Report & Help:
South African Police Service (SAPS) : https://www.saps.gov.za
Number : 10111 (Emergency)
You should request assistance from the Cybercrime Unit and obtain a case reference number for your bank.
🇧🇷 Brazil
About the country & reporting system:
Brazil manages fraud cases through Civil Police departments in each state. Victims can report scams online through “Delegacia Eletrônica.” Filing a police report is often necessary for banks to investigate fund recovery.
Report & Help:
Delegacia Eletrônica (Civil Police Online Reporting) : https://www.gov.br
https://www.apexbrasil.com.br/ouvidoria
(Search for “Delegacia Eletrônica” and select your state.)
Helpline Number : 190 (Police Emergency)
Keep copies of transaction receipts and provide them when filing the complaint.
🇲🇽 Mexico
About the country & reporting system:
Mexico handles cybercrime through the Guardia Nacional and its cyber division. Online fraud, including romance scams, can be reported nationally. Banks typically require an official complaint to proceed with dispute processes.
Report & Help:
Guardia Nacional – CERT-MX (Cybercrime Division) : https://www.gob.mx/gncertmx
Helpline Number : 911 (Emergency)
You should also notify your bank immediately and provide proof of your official complaint.
🇯🇵 Japan
About the country & reporting system:
Japan addresses online fraud through the National Police Agency (NPA) and local police stations. Romance scams are treated as financial fraud cases. Victims are encouraged to visit their local police station in person for formal documentation.
Report & Help:
National Police Agency (NPA) : https://www.npa.go.jp
https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/79849
Helpline Number : 110 (Police Emergency)
Visit your nearest police station to file a detailed complaint and receive a case number.
🇰🇷 South Korea
About the country & reporting system:
South Korea has a dedicated Cyber Bureau under the National Police Agency. The country has strong digital fraud monitoring systems, and quick reporting increases the chance of freezing fraudulent transfers.
Report & Help:
Cyber Bureau – Korean National Police Agency : https://cyberbureau.police.go.kr/eng/index.do
Hotline Number : 182 (Cybercrime Hotline)
If money was transferred through Korean banks, contact the bank immediately to request a freeze or recall.
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
About the country & reporting system:
The UAE has an advanced cybercrime reporting infrastructure. Each emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.) provides direct reporting channels. The eCrime portal allows victims to submit complaints digitally.
Report & Help:
UAE eCrime Portal : https://www.ecrime.ae
Dubai Police: 8002626
Abu Dhabi Al-Ameen: 8004444
You should also inform your bank immediately and request a transaction dispute.
🇮🇪 Ireland
About the country & reporting system:
Ireland handles fraud cases through An Garda Síochána (Irish Police). Financial scams are investigated by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB). Official reports help banks process fraud recovery.
Report & Help:
Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) : https://www.garda.ie
Helpline Number : 999 or 112 (Emergency)
Visit your local Garda station to file a formal complaint and receive a case reference number.
🇳🇬 Nigeria
About the country & reporting system:
Nigeria has specialized anti-fraud agencies due to high levels of financial and online fraud cases. Romance scams and advance-fee fraud are investigated by federal financial crime authorities.
Report & Help:
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) : https://services.gov.ng
Mail : info@efcc.gov.ng
Helpline Number : +234 809 332 2644 / +234 9 9044751
Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU)
Mail : report@specialfraudunit.org.ng
Number : 07082276895 / 08127609914
Keep all digital communication evidence when filing reports.
🇰🇪 Kenya
About the country & reporting system:
Kenya addresses cybercrime through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Victims must usually file complaints at a local police station. Official reports help in financial dispute processes.
Report & Help:
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) : https://www.dci.go.ke
Helpline Number : 999 or 911 (Emergency)
You may also contact your nearest police station to request assistance from the cybercrime division.
5. Protect Your Identity
If you shared personal documents:
- Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus.
- Freeze your credit report.
- Monitor your credit for new accounts.
- Check for SIM swap fraud.
- Contact your mobile carrier to add a PIN.
- Replace compromised ID if necessary.
- Monitor government benefits accounts.
6. Watch for “Recovery Scams”
After reporting, scammers may contact you pretending to be:
- Recovery agents
- Government officials
- Law enforcement
- Crypto tracing companies
Why Evidence Matters
Strong documentation helps:
- Banks approve chargebacks
- Police file proper cases
- Crypto exchanges flag wallets
- Platforms ban scam accounts
- Courts pursue prosecution
- Victims join larger investigations