The one test that beats most fakes
Ask for a live video call before things get explicit. Real people can usually find two minutes for a call. Scammers will make excuses ("my camera's broken", "I'm shy", "I'm on a military base"), send pre-recorded clips, or suddenly push harder for photos. Any of those is your answer.
The red flags
| Red flag | What's usually going on |
|---|---|
| Sexual within minutes or hours of first contact | Sextortion script. They need images fast |
| Wants to move to WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat or Instagram straight away | Getting off platforms that detect scammers, and onto apps where they can see your contacts |
| Asks for a photo with your face "to prove you're real" | Collecting leverage |
| Asks you to follow them or share your social media | Mapping your friends and family to threaten you |
| Profile photos look like a model or influencer | Stolen photos |
| Very new account, few posts, or few real interactions | Fake, mass-produced profile |
| Can't video call, or the video looks like a loop | Not the person in the pictures |
| Grammar or story doesn't match who they say they are | Overseas criminal group using a script |
| Declares love very quickly | Romance scam "love bombing" |
| Any mention of money, gift cards, crypto, investment, travel costs or an emergency | Romance fraud. Stop now |
How to check someone is real
Reverse image search their photos
Use Google Lens, Google Images or TinEye. If their pictures appear under other names or belong to an influencer, it's a fake.
Video call
A real, live call, not a pre-recorded clip. Ask them to do something specific like wave or say your name.
Check the details add up
Do their job, location, age and story stay consistent? Ask a question about their local area.
Look for verification badges
Many dating apps offer photo verification. A verified badge isn't a guarantee, but it's a good sign.
Take your time
Scammers rush. A real person who's interested in you will still be interested next week.
AI fakes are getting better
Scammers increasingly use AI-generated profile photos and even live "deepfake" video filters. Signs to look for include strange hands, earrings or teeth, blurry edges around the face when they move, lip-sync that's slightly off, and refusal to turn their head side to side or wave a hand in front of their face. When in doubt, slow down.
Romance fraud: when it's about money
If you've already sent images
Don't panic. Stop sending, don't pay anyone, and keep the conversation as evidence. If they threaten you, follow our sextortion guide. You can use StopNCII.org right away to help stop the images being posted on major platforms.
Report fake profiles
Report the profile to the app or site, even if you've already blocked it. You'll help protect the next person. In the UK, report money lost to romance fraud to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040, or Police Scotland on 101).
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK), 112 (Ireland/EU), 911 (US/Canada) or 000 (Australia).
- Images shared or threatened (adults, UK): Revenge Porn Helpline, revengepornhelpline.org.uk or 0345 6000 459
- Stop images spreading (worldwide, adults): StopNCII.org
- Under 18: Childline's Report Remove tool at childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111. Outside the UK: Take It Down
- More countries and services: see our help and support directory