CryptoGal Glossary
Romance Scam
A scam that uses a fake romantic relationship as the trust base to eventually pull the victim into sending money or crypto.
Romance scams are one of the most emotionally devastating fraud patterns in crypto. The scammer invests months into a fake relationship, becoming the person you trust most, before the ask ever appears.
How it works
It begins on a dating app, social platform, or wrong-number text. The person seems perfect. They listen. They remember. They promise a future. Eventually a “family emergency,” an “investment opportunity,” or a “small favor” appears. That is the real relationship starting.
Red flags
- Fast emotional intimacy from someone you have never met in person.
- They refuse to video call, or every call has “camera issues.”
- Any money or crypto request, no matter how small.
How to protect yourself
Real love does not need your wallet. If money ever enters the story, step back and talk to someone you trust before you send anything.
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