Romance scam: online partner asks for gift cards
Romance scammers build trust over weeks, always have a reason they cannot meet, then ask for gift cards or money for an emergency or a ticket.
How this scam works
The relationship develops before the money request, making the story feel personal. Distance prevents an in-person check, and the emergency turns affection into a gift-card or payment demand.
Common versions of the message
- A partner working far away
- A frozen bank account or sudden emergency
- Gift cards or flight money with a promise to repay
What the message looks like
Text from Daniel
My love, I can't wait to finally meet you. My bank account is frozen while I'm working on the oil rig. Could you send me $500 in Apple gift cards for my flight? I'll pay you back the moment I land.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Always far away: “working on the oil rig”
So you can never meet in person
A far-away job provides a repeating reason that an in-person meeting or ordinary help is impossible.
- 2
Gift cards: “send me $500 in Apple gift cards”
No real partner asks for gift cards
Gift cards are cash-like and do not fit a legitimate request from a partner who plans to meet you.
- 3
Pay-you-back promise: “I'll pay you back”
The money never comes back
A repayment promise keeps attention on the future relationship while the money leaves now.
What to do
- Never send gift cards or money to someone you have not met in person.
- Ask for a live video call. Scammers usually refuse.
- Talk to a friend or family member before sending anything.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- Stop sending money, including any new fee said to release funds or pay for travel.
- Contact the gift-card issuer, payment provider, or bank immediately and keep every receipt.
- Save the profile, photos, messages, and payment details before blocking the account.
Got a message like this?
Paste it into TrustShield's free checker to see the warning signs in seconds. No sign-up needed to try it.