Online friend talking about money? Romance and investment scams
Scammers build a friendship or romance online over weeks or months. Once they have your trust, they ask for money for an emergency, or introduce you to an "investment" that seems to grow fast.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
I've been so lucky with this trading app my uncle uses, I made 20% this week. You should try it with a small amount, I'll show you how.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- You have never met in person, and they always have a reason not to video call.
- Money comes up: an emergency, travel costs or an investment tip.
- The investment shows big profits, but you have to pay more before you can withdraw.
- They ask you to keep it private from friends and family.
What to do
- Never send money or invest because of someone you have only met online.
- Talk to a friend or family member you trust before sending anything.
- If you have sent money, call your bank straight away and report it.
- Be wary of anyone offering to recover your lost money for a fee. That is often a second scam.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Your bank's "fraud team" calls
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- "Hi Mum, I've got a new number"
- A loved one's voice on the phone
- Fake shops and too-good deals
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Calls from the "police" asking for money
- Power or water cut-off messages
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.