Romance Cryptocurrency Wallet Drain
A scam in which a victim is given apparent access to a cryptocurrency account that can only be unlocked by depositing their own funds, which are then stolen.
Also known as: crypto wallet bait scam, wallet access scam, deposit to withdraw fraud
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
The romance cryptocurrency wallet drain typically begins when a scammer shares access details to what appears to be a cryptocurrency wallet containing a significant balance. The victim is told the funds are theirs or have been gifted — perhaps as a token of the romantic connection or as an investment opportunity. However, withdrawing the funds requires depositing a fee, tax, or security bond in cryptocurrency.
Once the victim deposits their own funds, the wallet is either emptied immediately or further fees are demanded. The displayed balance was fabricated; the wallet interface is a controlled fake platform. Any funds deposited by the victim go directly to the scammer.
This variant exploits both romantic trust and the novelty and complexity of cryptocurrency for people who are not familiar with how genuine digital wallets operate. Legitimate wallets do not require deposits to unlock existing balances.
Examples
- An online partner shares login details to a crypto account showing a large balance and explains the victim must pay a small 'activation tax' before withdrawing funds to their own wallet.
- A victim deposits the equivalent of several thousand dollars in crypto to 'unlock' a promised inheritance balance, after which the platform becomes inaccessible.