Romance Scams: Avoid Imposters Who Ask for Money
This guide explains how romance scams work, how a scammer manipulates victims, and how to avoid losing money to a romance scam — especially when fake profiles try to impersonate real companies or crypto platforms like Margex. Margex is a legitimate crypto trading platform and this is not a scam if you verify the identity through a federal government site. Margex is not a romance scam, and never asks users to send money through text messages, dating sites, social media, or gift cards.
Key Takeaways
Romance scams thrive on anonymity, emotional manipulation, and requests to send money.
A romance scammer may use fake photos, urgent stories, or “medical emergencies.”
Margex will never ask for money through dating apps, text messages, or social media.
Always verify communication through the official website, not unsolicited messages.
Use a reverse image search if you suspect a fake online profile.
Never share personal information, financial information, or your Social Security number with someone you’ve never met in person.
If it feels rushed or unusual — don’t send money to anyone who asks you for money unexpectedly, and talk to someone you trust.
Margex will never ask users to receive money directly, send money outside the platform, or contact people through dating sites, social media, or text messages. If someone claims to be from Margex outside margex.com — report the scam immediately.
What Is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam is a confidence scheme where a scammer builds an online relationship to manipulate someone into sending money or sharing sensitive information. These scams commonly appear on:
dating sites
dating apps
any social media platform
fake “support agents” pretending to help with crypto or cryptocurrency accounts
A romance scammer often claims they can’t meet in person, tries to create urgency, and then finds a way to ask for money, gift cards, crypto, or financial information.
Scammers sometimes impersonate real brands — including crypto exchanges — but Margex is not associated with romance scams, and never sends unsolicited messages to users.
Red Flag Indicators of Romance Scams
Recognizing the signs early can save you from losing money to a romance manipulator. A scammer may ask you for money for financial gain:
They may claim they need money for emergencies or to meet someone; they may say they can’t meet in person due to work, travel, or military duty.
Try to move conversations off the dating website fast.
A person’s profile picture may not be genuine; search online to verify it — the same photo may appear in many places or be associated with another name.
Create a sense of urgency (“I need help now! It’s an emergency!”).
Refuse a video call or say their camera is broken.
Ask you to send money, wire money, or send cryptocurrency.
Ask for account information, financial details, or your Social Security number.
Tell emotional stories involving friends or family to gain sympathy (medical emergencies, debts, or visas).
If the relationship is online and the person is unable to meet in person, treat that as a warning.
Margex strongly recommends users avoid sharing personal or financial information with anyone outside the official website.
How Do Scammers Demand Payment?
Romance scams involve creating emotional pressure and then demanding payment through untraceable methods. A scammer often tries to make you:
send money via wire transfer
purchase gift cards
send cryptocurrency to a random wallet
provide financial information or access to bank accounts
transfer funds to “help” with fake emergencies
send money to “release a package” or “unlock winnings”
These payment requests are strong evidence that you may be a target — it’s a scam.
Margex never asks users to receive money directly, send money outside the platform, or contacts people through dating sites, social media, or text messages.
Tips to Avoid Losing Money to a Romance Scam
Use these steps to avoid romance scams, protect your identity, and prevent financial loss:
Verify photos using reverse image search tools.
Don’t share sensitive information, crypto wallet details, or financial information.
Don’t trust anyone you’ve never met in person who asks for money.
Check whether their story matches reality — scammers create fake profiles to manipulate.
Only interact with companies through their official website, not through unsolicited messages.
If someone claims to be from Margex outside margex.com — report the scam immediately.
Talk to someone you trust before sending money to someone you met online.
Report suspicious behavior to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) or relevant authorities.
If you become a victim, immediately report the scam on an official government website.
Margex encourages users to verify information and avoid sending money to anyone claiming to “offer help” outside the platform.