National Anti-Scam Centre taskforce report highlights value of joint effort to tackle romance scams — How to Identify & Stay Safe

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Romance Scams in India 2026: How the National Anti-Scam Centre Taskforce Is Fighting Back

Romance scams continue to deceive thousands of Indians every year, but the National Anti-Scam Centre taskforce report highlights how joint efforts can help curb this growing menace.

What Is the National Anti-Scam Centre Taskforce Report Highlighting the Value of Joint Effort to Tackle Romance Scams?

Romance scams are a type of relationship fraud where perpetrators create fake identities to trick people into emotional and financial traps. The National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) taskforce report published recently highlights the critical role of cooperation among various government bodies, social media platforms, and cybercrime units to combat this threat in India.

These scams primarily target singles and vulnerable individuals looking for companionship online. With India’s massive penetration of social media and dating apps — WhatsApp, Facebook, Tinder, and others — scammers find an ample pool of potential victims. The scam often begins with a fake profile using stolen or AI-generated photos. The fraudsters then build fake relationships, earning trust before requesting money.

According to the Indian government’s Integrated Fraud Management System (IFMS) data, romance scams account for a significant slice of cybercrime complaints in India. Bodies like CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) and I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) have issued advisories warning users to stay vigilant. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has also alerted users against falling prey to UPI-based frauds tied to romance scams, where payments are solicited under false pretenses.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact: The scammer sends a friend or connection request on a social platform or dating app. They use fake, attractive photos and create a backstory that appeals to the target’s emotional needs.
2. Building Trust: Through WhatsApp or messaging chat, they engage the victim in sweet talk, ‘love bombing’ with compliments, gifts (virtual), and personal stories of hardship or loneliness.
3. Emotional Manipulation: Once the victim is emotionally involved, the scammer invents urgent problems — a medical emergency, trouble with their overseas job or business, or travel visas.
4. Request for Money: Asking for financial help, often via UPI ID, bank transfer, or mobile wallets, the scammer convinces the victim to send money repeatedly, promising to pay back or meet soon.
5. Avoiding Face-to-Face Meeting: When the victim requests a video call or meeting, the scammer makes excuses, citing danger or other emergencies.
6. Continuous Extraction: They keep pushing for money, sometimes even issuing threats or blackmail, exploiting the victim’s trust and hope.
7. Disappearance: Eventually, the scammer cuts off contact after receiving a large sum, leaving the victim emotionally shattered and financially drained.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Profile pictures that look professionally shot or too perfect, often taken from Western sources.
• Pushing for quick emotional bonding or fast declarations of love.
• Avoiding video calls, providing excuses like “camera not working” or “privacy issues.”
• Urgent, unexpected requests for money citing emergencies or travel issues.
• Insistence on using UPI or mobile wallets rather than traditional bank transfers.
• Refusal to meet in person or providing contradictory personal details.
• Pressure to keep the relationship and financial help secret.

What Happens to Victims

Victims of romance scams in India often lose substantial amounts — sometimes lakhs of rupees — through repeated UPI transactions or bank transfers. These transactions are often irreversible once completed, especially if the victim sends money willingly. There have been numerous cases where fraudsters misused Aadhaar-related information to open fake bank accounts or SIM cards, escalating the victim’s financial loss through identity theft.

Beyond financial damage, victims suffer emotional trauma, including feelings of betrayal, embarrassment, and depression. Many hesitate to report these scams to authorities due to stigma around online relationships. This delay often results in lost opportunities to recover funds or track down perpetrators.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

The Reserve Bank of India has issued warnings urging citizens to be cautious of unsolicited financial requests and to verify the identity of individuals before transferring money. The RBI emphasizes using official UPI platforms and avoiding sharing UPI PINs or OTPs with anyone.

CERT-In has listed romance scams as a prevalent cybercrime and urges users to report suspicious profiles and online scams. They support the 1930 cybercrime helpline, where victims can report incidents related to all kinds of internet fraud, including romance scams.

Additionally, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) helps coordinate various agencies for faster action against organized scam networks exploiting the online dating ecosystem.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Profiles: Use reverse image search on Google to check if the profile pictures are fake or stolen.
2. Ask for a Video Call Early: Genuine people won’t hesitate to show their face. Lack of video chat is a red flag.
3. Never Send Money Upfront: Avoid making any payment requests without thorough verification.
4. Use Official UPI Apps Only: Don’t share UPI PINs or OTPs and confirm the UPI ID before transfers.
5. Keep Personal Info Private: Avoid sharing Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details in chats or with unknown contacts.
6. Don’t Rush into Relationships Online: Take time to build trust and verify identities.
7. Report Suspicious Profiles: On the platform and to CERT-In or the cybercrime helpline immediately.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

• Stop All Financial Transactions Immediately: Block the scammer’s contact on all apps.
• Change Your UPI PIN and Online Banking Passwords: Contact your bank to flag suspicious transactions.
• Report to Cybercrime Cell: Register a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
• Call the 1930 Cybercrime Helpline: Seek guidance on next steps and support.
• File an FIR at the Nearest Police Station: Provide all chat logs, transaction details, and screenshots.
• Inform Your Mobile Operator: In case of SIM misuse or OTP interception, request a SIM lock or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my money back if I sent it to a romance scammer via UPI?
A: Unfortunately, UPI transactions are instant and often irreversible. You should immediately contact your bank and report the transaction as fraudulent, but recovery is not guaranteed. Early reporting improves chances.

Q: How can I confirm if a romantic interest online is genuine?
A: Ask for video calls, verify profile photos with reverse image searches, and don’t rush giving out personal details or money. Genuine people will understand caution and transparency.

Q: What government help is available if I fall victim to a romance scam?
A: You can report the crime through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, call the 1930 cybercrime helpline, and approach local police. CERT-In and I4C coordinate investigations alongside banks and platforms to trace scammers.

Romance scams are emotionally and financially devastating, but awareness is your strongest shield. If you receive suspicious messages or connection requests promising quick love, verify carefully. Stay safe by checking suspicious profiles and strange requests at BharatSecure.app today.