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Internet Love Scams

Scammers form fake online relationships to gain trust, then ask for money using emotional stories. Learn how these scams work, spot warning signs, and protect yourself from financial loss.

Last updated 28 May 2026

Key takeaways 

  • It is important to exercise caution, when befriending strangers via online/apps. 

  • Do not transfer money or send gift cards to people you have never met before in-person. 

In 2025, scam victims in Singapore lost at least S$24.9 million in internet love scams.

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2025

How it works? 

Internet love scams target people seeking companionship online.  

  1. Establish contact 
    Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media using stolen photos and fabricated details. 

  1. Build trust and relationship 
    They would invest weeks or months building emotional connections with victims through constant communication and declarations of love.  

  1. Introduce urgent financial issues 
    Once trust is established, the scammers will claim emergencies such as business/financial difficulties, immigration or rental issues. They may also introduce fake investment opportunities. 

  2. Request for money 
    Scammers would ask for urgent money assistance repeatedly prior to meeting up and disappear after receiving funds. 

How to spot the red flags?

rushed intimacy icon

Rushes intimacy

Someone you met online professes love quickly without meeting in person.

Avoid video call icon

Refuse to meetup

They avoid video calls and physical meet-up, and you are unable to verify the person’s identity.

Payment request icon

Request for emergency funds

They request urgent money assistance or money for business operations (oil rigs, machinery, workers' salaries).

How to stay safe? 

ADD: 

  • ScamShield app to block scam calls and filter scam SMSes 

CHECK: 

  • Do not transfer money or send gift cards to unknown persons 

  • Never use clickable links or QR codes from unknown persons for payments 

  • Never disclose personal information, banking details, or OTPs to anyone 

  • Do not let others use your banking or Singpass accounts 

  • Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline (1799) to check if you are unsure 

TELL: 

  • Warn your friends and family about your scam encounter.​ 

  • Make a police report if you think you have fallen victim. 

Encountered this scam? Here’s what to do 

If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed! 

Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App. 

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