Concerned About an Online Relationship? You're Not Alone

Romance scams are some of the most devastating scams today. If you're involved, CybearTrace works with you to take immediate action, secure your assets, and build a solid case against scammers.

Romance scam

Romance scams are some of the most popular scams today, disproportionately affecting older adults and people who are isolated, widowed, divorced, or living alone. For many victims, the scammer was a daily presence for months, offering comfort, routine, and emotional support.

Unfortunately, many victims hesitate to speak up because they fear judgment or shame from family, friends, or authorities. However, these victims were involved in a highly targeted attack by a coordinated group trained in emotional and financial exploitation.

If you’re involved in an online dating scam, you’re not alone. CybearTrace works with victims to take immediate action, secure their assets, and build a solid case against their scammers. We’ll move at your pace, explain each step clearly, and focus first on protecting you from further financial harm.

What it looks like

Understanding how these scams work is the first step to protecting yourself.

Case study

Online Dating Scam Example: Mark’s Story (Name Changed)

Mark* met Sarah* online through a dating platform. They chatted for months, and she’d send him daily messages, remembering small details about his life and speaking often about a future together. Sarah said she was working overseas on an offshore contract, which explained why they couldn’t meet in person.

The emotional bond felt genuine, and that was exactly how it was designed.

When the requests for help began, they seemed reasonable (i.e. unexpected hospital bills and emergency travel issues). Over time, the amounts increased. When Mark hesitated, she responded with more affection, guilt, and even emotional pressure.

Tens of thousands of dollars later, Sarah’s messages stopped and she vanished overnight, leaving Mark feeling ashamed, isolated, and deeply betrayed. In the weeks that followed, Mark was contacted again, this time by people claiming to be “recovery agents” who promised to get his money back for a fee. This the second approach planned by the scammers.

Having the right support is critical for victims like Mark. With a solid recovery approach, Mark can mitigate his losses, find clarity, and get professional support.

*Not their real names

What we do

If you’re caught in a Romance Scam, our team can help. Here’s how.

Fast and immediate guidance for scam victims

Get expert advice within hours, not days. We understand time is critical.

Evidence and information collection

We help you gather and organize all relevant documentation for your case.

Case triage and advisory

Professional assessment of your situation with clear, actionable recommendations.

Response pathways and reporting

Guided assistance through official reporting channels and recovery options.

Why CybearTrace?

Our team is experienced, professional, and committed to your peace of mind.

Compliance-first process

Follows Singaporean authority rules and international best practices.

Secure client portal

Upload all case and scam information through our encrypted platform.

AU-SG privacy alignment

Your privacy and data are secure across jurisdictions.

Structured investigation workflow

A stress-free process designed to guide you every step of the way.

I've been scammed. What should I do?

The first hours are the most critical, and you need to move quickly. Here’s what you should do:

Stop all payments

Do not transfer more money, cryptocurrency, or make any more purchases.

Get evidence

Gather as much information as you can. Take screenshots, chat logs, payment receipts, TX IDs, profile links, or any documents.

Secure your accounts and cards

Change banking and platform passwords, remove auto-debit functions, and run a malware scan on your computer.

Report

File official reports with the relevant authorities in your country. You’ll need a reference number for any banks and platforms

If you're in...

Australia

ACCC Scamwatch

Singapore

ScamShield

Philippines

Scam Watch Philippinas

Other Countries

Contact CybearTrace

Romance scam support with CybearTrace

Dealing with a Romance or Online Dating Scam can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what your after-action will look like with CybearTrace.

Immediate intake & triage (within hours)

Contact our team and tell us about your unique case. This includes timelines as well as where and how the romance scam happened. We’ll also advise you on any time-sensitive operations that you’ll need to do immediately.

Portal set up

You’ll be given access to our secure client portal to upload your evidence, such as chats, screenshots, bank details, and other documents. All uploads will help us triage and build your case.

Immediate strategy and response plan

We’ll produce a clear action plan and will help you file police reports for ScamShield, MAS (when relevant), IMDA, and other regulators. If money has moved offshore, our investigators will trace it and work with partners and legal channels to request freezes or information.

Ongoing support & response pathway

Our team will keep you informed with regular updates, next steps, and realistic expectations, plus timelines. Although we cannot guarantee full recovery, what we can guarantee is a professional, transparent process focused on protecting you and preventing further harm of your funds, our fast process and strong relationship with local authorities can improve your recovery outcomes and minimise further loss.

Get Help Today

Scammers are smart and targeted, but so are we. Get help with CybearTrace.

Frequently Asked Questions

I think I’ve been scammed by someone I met online. What should I do?

If you may be dealing with a romance scam, don’t panic. Do the following immediately:

Stop sending money or making promises of future payments
Do not confront or accuse the person (they will get suspicious)
Screenshot chats, profiles, photos, payment requests, and timelines
Secure your email, banking, and social media accounts
Remove any remote-access apps and enable two-factor authentication
Contact CybearTrace immediately

I was emotionally involved with my scammer. Does that make my case less serious?

No. Emotional manipulation is a highly popular tactic in romance scams. These cases are recognised among authorities as a serious financial and psychological fraud. Your experience will be treated professionally.

I sent money multiple times. Is it too late to get help?

No. Many victims continue sending money because scammers are experts at putting emotional pressure. This does not disqualify you from support. However, you should take action now to stop any follow-up scams.

What do online dating scammers typically ask for?

In online dating, scammers may ask for help with medical or hospital bills, emergency travel costs, and business or investment opportunities. They may tell you that their bank funds are locked and that they need money to “release” these funds or assets.

Scammers may also ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers, and in some cases request access to your devices or accounts.

Why am I being contacted by people offering to recover my money?

After a romance scam, the victim’s details are often sold to recovery scammers who will pose as investigators or legal agents. They will promise you a full recovery for a fee. Legitimate recovery services will never guarantee results or pressure you into upfront payments. If someone contacts you offering recovery, contact CybearTrace for independent advice.