Crypto romance: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

• “I trust you, so I will show you my private crypto investment.”
• “Your profits are ready. Pay a tax or fee to withdraw them.”
• “Let us build our future together. Start with this trading app.”

How to spot it

• A new relationship quickly becomes investment coaching or pressure to move money.
• A dashboard shows profits but withdrawals require another deposit.
• The contact wants secrecy or moves the conversation away from the original platform.

What to do now

1. Stop sending money and do not pay a withdrawal fee. This relationship-and-investment pattern is sometimes called pig butchering. A friendly conversation and a convincing trading screen do not prove where funds went.
2. Keep messages, account names, website addresses and transaction records you already have. Do not install another app or contact the suspected operator to test a withdrawal with more money.
3. Tell a trusted person and report the profile to the platform where you met. Report internet-enabled fraud to the FBI at ic3.gov. Include wallet addresses and transaction identifiers privately when the official form asks for them.

If you already paid or shared details

1. Contact your bank, card issuer or the exchange you used immediately. Explain any transfer made under deception and ask what can still be stopped or flagged. Cryptocurrency recovery is not guaranteed.
2. Do not pay a recovery agent who contacts you promising to get the crypto back. If you shared identity documents or account access, secure those accounts and use IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For internet-enabled fraud, also use the FBI’s IC3. If identity details were exposed, start at IdentityTheft.gov.

Sources

• FTC: cryptocurrency and scams
• FTC: romance scams
• FTC: what to do if you were scammed

Questions people ask

Does a successful small withdrawal prove the platform is safe?

No. Do not use a small payout or a displayed balance as proof that a larger deposit is safe. Stop and check the investment independently.

Should I pay a tax to release the balance?

Do not send another payment because the platform or online contact demands it. Preserve the demand and include it in your official fraud report.