Why Men Are Targeted Differently
Romance scams follow the same general playbook covered in common online dating scams, but the specific approach used against men often leans on a few recognizable patterns: an unusually attractive profile that seems out of reach for the amount of interest being shown, rapid flattery and affection, and a story designed to justify why an in-person meeting or video call keeps getting delayed.
Common Warning Signs
- A profile that seems disproportionately attractive relative to how quickly and intensely they're expressing interest — genuine attraction usually builds more gradually.
- A story that explains away video calls — a "broken camera," being stationed or working somewhere remote, or a job that supposedly restricts personal calls.
- Rapid escalation of affection, often including "I love you" or talk of marriage within days or a couple of weeks.
- A sudden crisis requiring money — medical emergency, customs fees to receive a gift, a stuck business deal — always framed as unusual and unfortunate rather than a pattern.
- Reluctance to be seen by your friends or family, even on a call, despite claiming serious intentions.
Why This Works
The approach plays on a genuine desire for a straightforward, low-conflict connection — intense positive attention feels good and flattering, and scammers lean on that to move faster than a real relationship would, before critical judgment has time to catch up with the emotional investment.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Slow down deliberately — ask for a live video call and don't accept repeated excuses for avoiding it. Do a reverse image search of their photos. Never send money, gift cards, or financial details to someone you haven't verified in person, regardless of the story. If you've already sent money, stop immediately and see common online dating scams for where to report it.
Where to Report a Romance Scam in India
If you think you're being targeted, or you've already sent money, act quickly. In India:
- Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 as soon as possible if money has been transferred. Fast reporting can improve the chances of a transaction being stopped.
- File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, the government's official reporting site, with screenshots, profile links, phone numbers, and transaction details.
- Contact your bank immediately to report the transfer and ask about freezing or disputing it.
- Report and block the profile on the dating app so it can be reviewed and others are protected. Watch out for a second wave: people who contact you claiming they can "recover" your money for a fee are often part of the same scam. Above all, don't let embarrassment stop you from reporting. These scams are run by organised groups who are good at what they do, and reporting helps protect others. For a detailed look at the investment-style version of this scam, see pig butchering scam warning signs.
Conclusion
Romance scams targeting men often rely on flattery and manufactured urgency rather than the crypto-investment angle covered in pig butchering scams. Genuine interest doesn't require avoiding video calls or a rapid financial ask — treat both as reasons to slow down, not speed up. If a profile on Mingle Mate shows these signs, use the in-app report and block tools so our moderation team can review it.
