Romance scams typically begin on dating apps or social media, but quickly move to phone calls and texts. Scammers build fake relationships over weeks or months before requesting money — for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or 'investment opportunities' that don't exist. 1,640 romance scam phone numbers reports have been filed by Washington residents. In District of Columbia, residents filed 16,860 fraud reports last year totalling $30 million in losses (FTC Consumer Sentinel).
How this scam works in Washington
Scammer creates a fake profile on dating apps, Facebook, or Instagram
They build an emotional connection over weeks or months
They move communication to phone, text, or WhatsApp
They create a crisis requiring money — surgery, stuck overseas, investment opportunity
Once money is sent, they create new crises or disappear
Red flags Washington residents have reported
Person is always overseas — military, oil rig, doctor, or engineer
Relationship moves very fast — intense affection early on
They never meet in person or via video call (or always cancel)
Any request for money, gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
Investment opportunity that promises guaranteed returns
What to do if you get this call in Washington
Stop sending money immediately
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
If you sent money recently, contact your bank immediately