In short
A fraudster builds an online romantic relationship using a false or misleading identity The objective is typically to convert emotional trust into repeated financial transfers or related fraud.
What it is
Trust and emotional attachment are developed before a crisis, request, investment or money story is introduced. The victim is then pushed to send money, gifts, financial information or invest through the person's recommendation.
How it starts
A fraudster builds an online romantic relationship using a false or misleading identity.
What they tell you
Trust and emotional attachment are developed before a crisis, request, investment or money story is introduced
What they want you to do
Send money, gifts, financial information or invest through the person's recommendation
How you lose money
convert emotional trust into repeated financial transfers or related fraud
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
romance | trust | isolation | urgency | empathy | fake profile | social engineering
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Verify the person's identity independently, resist secrecy/urgency, and do not send money or invest solely on the basis of an online relationship.
If it already happened
Contact the bank/payment provider immediately if money moved; report financial cyber fraud promptly via 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in; preserve messages, transaction IDs, phone numbers and URLs.