The romance scam pattern
Scammers follow a script. If you see several of these, walk away:
- They say "I love you" or talk about a future together within days or weeks.
- They want to move to WhatsApp, Telegram or text right away.
- They can't video chat, or the camera is always "broken."
- They're always somewhere else: an overseas job, an oil rig, a military deployment, a business trip.
- Something goes wrong: a medical bill, a customs fee, a frozen account, a plane ticket.
- They ask for money, gift cards, wire transfers or crypto, or offer to "teach you" to invest.
The rule: never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met in person, no matter how real it feels.
Crypto "investment" scams
A newer version skips the sob story. Your match is warm, successful and happens to be great at crypto trading. They show you their gains and walk you through an app or website. Your first small "investment" grows on screen. Then you can't withdraw your money. If a romantic interest brings up investing, stop.
Sextortion
If someone pressures you for intimate photos or video early on, be careful. Scammers use them to demand money. If it happens, don't pay, stop responding, save the messages, and report it.
First-date safety
- Video chat first. A quick call confirms they're real and helps you decide whether to meet.
- Meet in public. A busy coffee shop in Summerlin or Midtown Reno beats a quiet trailhead for date one.
- Drive yourself, or take a rideshare you book.
- Tell a friend where you'll be and who you're meeting, and share your location.
- Watch your drink, and limit alcohol on a first date.
- Keep your address private until you know someone well.
A Las Vegas note
Someone who says they're only in town for a few days and wants to rush things, or invites you to their hotel room for a first meeting, is a red flag. Meet in a public place you choose.
If something goes wrong
- In danger? Call 911.
- Sent money? Contact your bank, card issuer or payment app right away.
- Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
- Report the profile on the dating app so it can be removed.
- Contact local police, especially if you were threatened or met in person.
Common questions
How can I tell if someone on a dating app is a scammer?
Common signs: they profess strong feelings very quickly, want to move off the dating app right away, can't or won't video chat, always have a reason they can't meet (overseas job, military deployment, travel), and eventually ask for money, gift cards or crypto, or pitch an investment. Any request for money from someone you haven't met is a scam.
Where do I report a romance scam in Nevada?
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, report the profile on the dating app, and contact your local police. If you sent money, contact your bank or payment app immediately. If you're in danger, call 911.