Crypto Romance Scams: When a Match Offers Investment Advice
Updated
If someone you met on a dating app offers to teach you crypto investing, treat it as a scam. The FTC says never to mix online dating and investment advice, and that only scammers guarantee profits. Stop contacting them, don't send more money, and report it to the app and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you have already paid, contact your exchange right away.
How does a crypto romance scam work?
The FTC describes a familiar pattern. A stranger contacts you online, often after reviewing your profile, and builds an emotional connection. Then the conversation turns to money, and they offer to help you invest in crypto or teach you how. The FTC warns they are really leading you to a scam investment opportunity, and that you will lose the money you put in.
What are the warning signs?
- Someone you met on a dating site or app gives you investment advice. The FTC says never to mix the two.
- They promise big or guaranteed returns. The FTC says only scammers guarantee profits.
- They say there is no risk. All investments carry risk, including crypto.
- They insist on gift cards, payment apps, wire transfers or crypto. The FTC says only scammers insist you pay this way.
- Their photo appears under another name in a reverse image search.
What should you do if you suspect one?
Cut off contact, even if they seem hurt or become pushy. Then tell the app or platform where you met them, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It can help to talk it over with someone you trust before you do anything else with your money.
What if you have already sent crypto?
Contact the exchange or company you used right away and ask whether anything can be done. Crypto payments can be hard to recover, so do not send more money to unlock, release or withdraw what you put in. The FTC lists the FTC, CFTC, SEC and FBI’s IC3 among the agencies you can report crypto fraud to. Our guide on sending money to a romance scammer covers other payment types.
Can you check whether the person is real?
Partly. The FTC recommends a reverse image search of their profile picture, and CheaterExposer can check public dating and social results for the details they gave you. A clean result does not make someone trustworthy, and a real-looking identity may still be stolen. Whatever you find, the investment pitch alone is reason enough to stop.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a scam if a dating match offers to teach me crypto?
Treat it as one. The FTC says someone you met on a dating site or app who offers investment advice or asks for money is a scammer, and to never mix online dating and investment advice.
Can I get my crypto back from a romance scammer?
It can be difficult. Contact the exchange or company you used right away, report the scam, and don't send more money to release what you put in.
Where do I report a crypto romance scam?
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and tell the app where you met. The FTC also lists the CFTC, SEC and FBI's IC3 as places to report crypto fraud.
Can CheaterExposer prove someone is a scammer?
No. It searches public web results and public profiles and links to what it finds. That can help you check details, but it can't prove who someone is or that they are honest.