Can you spot a scammer from their photos?

Often, yes. Reverse-image search the photos — scammers reuse stolen pictures, and a search frequently surfaces the real owner or a stock library. AI-generated faces show tells like distorted backgrounds, mismatched earrings, or odd shadows.

What if they always refuse a live video call?

A refusal, or a call that is always 'broken', is the single strongest red flag. Ask for a spontaneous, unscripted video call; real people can do one, real-time deepfakes still struggle with head-turns and a hand passed across the face.

Are romance scammers always overseas?

Not always, but many operate from abroad and push you off-platform (to WhatsApp, LINE, or Telegram) quickly to escape moderation. On Honne, identity is verified before contact, which removes most of this risk up front.

What should I do if I think I'm being targeted?

Stop contact, stop any transfers through your bank, keep screenshots, and report it. In Japan, call the police consultation line #9110 or the Consumer Hotline 188. Do not send money to 'recover' losses.

Stay safe

How to spot a romance scammer

By Honne Trust & Safety · updated 2026-06-22

Romance scams are now one of the costliest online crimes — the U.S. FTC reported about $1.14 billion lost in 2024, and Japan’s National Police Agency recorded roughly ¥1,141 億 in romance-scam losses across 10,237 cases the same year, a large share starting on matching apps. The fastest way to stay safe is to know the patterns. On Honne, identity is verified before anyone can contact you, so most of these scams never reach you in the first place.

How romance scams start

Contact usually begins on a dating app, social network, or game, then the scammer pushes you off-platform — to WhatsApp, LINE, or Telegram — fast, to escape moderation. A quick “let’s move to another app” is an early warning sign, not a compliment.

Warning signs of a romance scammer

Love bombing. Intense affection within days, to lower your guard.
Always-broken video. Endless reasons they can’t do a live call.
Too-perfect persona. Often a soldier, doctor, surgeon, or investor working abroad.
Isolation. Steering you away from friends and family who might warn you.
Money, eventually. Never to them directly — usually an “opportunity.”

How to check someone is real (4 steps)

Reverse-image search their photos to find the real owner or a stock source.
Look for AI/deepfake tells — warped backgrounds, mismatched shadows, “cinematic” perfection.
Ask for a live, unscripted video call and a spontaneous action (wave with your left hand).
Run a pre-transfer check — never move money to keep a relationship going.

See the deep dives: Is this dating profile real or fake? 9 checks in 2 minutes · Check before you transfer: stopping romance-investment scams · Deepfake video calls: how to spot an AI-generated face · How to verify someone you met online is real.

Romance-investment & “pig butchering”

The most damaging variant doesn’t ask for money directly — it invites you into a “great investment” a caring partner is letting you in on. The tell: profits you can seebut can’t withdraw without a fee. A real partner never makes your affection conditional on a transfer.

If you think you’re being targeted

Stay on the prevention side and act fast:

Stop contact and stop any transfers through your bank.
Keep screenshots of profiles and messages.
In Japan, call the police consultation line #9110 or the Consumer Hotline 188. In the U.S., report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Can you spot a scammer from their photos?: Often, yes. Reverse-image search the photos — scammers reuse stolen pictures, and a search frequently surfaces the real owner or a stock library. AI-generated faces show tells like distorted backgrounds, mismatched earrings, or odd shadows.
What if they always refuse a live video call?: A refusal, or a call that is always 'broken', is the single strongest red flag. Ask for a spontaneous, unscripted video call; real people can do one, real-time deepfakes still struggle with head-turns and a hand passed across the face.
Are romance scammers always overseas?: Not always, but many operate from abroad and push you off-platform (to WhatsApp, LINE, or Telegram) quickly to escape moderation. On Honne, identity is verified before contact, which removes most of this risk up front.
What should I do if I think I'm being targeted?: Stop contact, stop any transfers through your bank, keep screenshots, and report it. In Japan, call the police consultation line #9110 or the Consumer Hotline 188. Do not send money to 'recover' losses.

See how Honne verifies every member →

Sources: U.S. FTC (consumer.ftc.gov); National Police Agency / 警察庁 (npa.go.jp). Educational information only — this is prevention guidance, not legal or recovery advice.