Romance scams: how to recognise them
Romance fraud often starts with a long, warm conversation. Someone builds trust over weeks or months, talks about a shared future and makes you feel understood. Then comes a sudden crisis: an illness, a blocked bank account or an urgent travel problem. They ask for money, a loan in your name, or a transfer to someone else's account. The pressure can feel personal, but the aim is financial.
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Watch for patterns: intense affection early on, repeated excuses not to meet or video call, secrecy, and urgent requests for money. A match who introduces crypto or investments may be steering you towards a fake platform. Never borrow or send money to prove your feelings.
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If you have paid, stop paying and call your bank immediately. Banks can sometimes stop or reverse transfers, especially when you act quickly. Tell the bank what happened and keep messages, account details and payment receipts. Do not send another payment to ‘unlock’ money or cover a supposed fee.
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Report the fraud to the police and the dating service. Talk to someone you trust. There is no shame in being deceived: fraudsters deliberately exploit trust, and asking for help is the right response.
According to NRK, a woman in Kristiansand transferred NOK 1.3 million to a man she met online; her bank, DNB, spotted it and she got the money back – which is rare. Økokrim registered NOK 24 million lost to romance fraud in Norway in one year and says many cases go unreported.