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Romance scam warning signs in India and what to do

Updated · 4 min read · by the SwipeTrip team

A romance scam almost always ends in a request for money: a gift card, an "investment" or crypto tip, an emergency, or a customs fee for a parcel. If that happens, stop replying, don't pay, save the evidence, and report it at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930, India's national cyber-crime helpline.

How does a romance scam work?

Romance scammers build trust first and ask for money later. They match with you, chat warmly and often for days or weeks, and make you feel special. They usually avoid meeting or video calls. Once you feel close, a problem appears that only money can solve. The story changes, but the pattern stays the same.

The most common scam stories

  • Money or gift cards: a small "loan" until payday, a recharge, or gift card codes. Gift cards are popular with scammers because they're hard to trace and can't be reversed.
  • Investment or crypto tips: they've made money on a trading app or crypto platform and want to help you do the same. The app shows fake profits, then asks for "tax" or "fees" before you can withdraw.
  • A sudden emergency: a hospital bill, an accident, a stolen wallet abroad, a family member in trouble.
  • Customs or parcel fees: they've sent you an expensive gift from overseas, and now a "customs officer" or courier needs a fee to release it.
  • Travel money: they want to visit you but need help with tickets, a visa or a blocked account first.
  • Sextortion: they push for intimate photos or a video call, record it, then threaten to share it with your family or contacts unless you pay.

Red flags to watch for

  • Declarations of love within days, before you've met.
  • Constant reasons why they can't video call or meet.
  • Pressure to move to WhatsApp or Telegram quickly.
  • Requests to keep the relationship secret from friends and family.
  • Urgency: "I need it today", "only you can help".
  • Any request for money, OTPs, UPI PINs, bank details or card numbers.
A simple rule: never send money to someone you haven't met in person, however real the relationship feels.

What to do if you think it's a scam

  • Stop: stop replying and don't argue. Scammers are trained to talk you round.
  • Don't pay: not even a small amount to "settle" things. Paying once usually leads to more demands.
  • Save evidence: screenshots of the profile, chats, phone numbers, UPI IDs, bank details and payment receipts.
  • Report it: call 1930, India's national cyber-crime helpline, or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. If you've already sent money, report it as fast as you can and tell your bank.
  • Report and block: report the profile on the dating app and block them everywhere.

How to help a friend or parent who might be targeted

People in a romance scam often don't see it, and pushing hard can make them defend the scammer. A calmer approach usually works better.

  • Ask questions rather than accusing: have they video called, have they met, has money come up?
  • Offer to do a reverse image search of the photos together.
  • Share the common patterns in this guide, so they can recognise them for themselves.
  • If money has gone, help them call 1930 and their bank straight away.
Older relatives and people who have recently lost a partner are often targeted. A gentle conversation early can save a lot of pain.

If you're being blackmailed with photos or video

Don't pay, and don't send anything more. Paying rarely makes it stop. Stop responding, save the messages and the account details, and report it at cybercrime.gov.in or on 1930. Report the account to the platform where the threat arrived. If intimate images are involved, StopNCII.org can help stop them being shared on participating platforms. Telling someone you trust also helps. This is a crime against you, and you've done nothing to be ashamed of.

Verified apps make it harder for scammers to hide behind fake identities. SwipeTrip verifies every member with their Aadhaar and a live selfie before anyone can see them.

Questions people ask

  • What is the cyber-crime helpline number in India?

    1930 is India's national cyber-crime helpline. You can also file a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in.

  • Can I get my money back after a romance scam?

    Sometimes, if you act fast. Call 1930 and your bank as soon as possible so the transaction can be flagged, and keep every receipt and screenshot.

  • Should I pay a sextortion demand?

    No. Paying usually leads to more demands. Stop replying, save the evidence and report it at cybercrime.gov.in or on 1930.

  • Are investment tips from a match always a scam?

    Treat any trading, crypto or investment advice from someone you met on a dating app as a scam. It's one of the most common patterns.

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