Inheritance Romance Scams on Dating Apps
Fraudsters on dating apps pose as wealthy individuals with inheritance complications, weaving romance into a narrative designed to get victims to pay fees for a share of a fictional fortune.
Part of: Inheritance Romance Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Inheritance romance scams combine two of the most powerful psychological levers in fraud: romantic attachment and financial aspiration. The scammer presents as a wealthy, attractive individual who has fallen for the victim and, conveniently, needs assistance navigating a large inheritance that will ultimately benefit them both.
Dating apps provide the initial hook, allowing scammers to identify and engage vulnerable individuals before moving the conversation off-platform where the financial manipulation can occur without oversight.
How this scam works on Dating apps
After establishing romantic chemistry, the scammer reveals a significant problem: a large inheritance, property portfolio, or business profit that is frozen due to legal fees, tax obligations, or corrupt officials. They ask the victim to contribute to the fees as a partner, promising a large share of the released funds.
Each payment is followed by a new complication requiring further payments. The promised payout never materialises. Some variants involve the scammer claiming to be in danger and needing funds to escape a country before sharing the fortune.
The combination of romantic investment and financial promise makes victims more resistant to warnings from friends and family.
Common red flags
- A romantic contact reveals a large frozen inheritance shortly after establishing emotional connection
- Requests grow incrementally: legal fees, taxes, bribes, bank charges
- The promised payout is always just one more payment away
- Contact is secretive — the scammer encourages you not to discuss this with others
- Story involves foreign banks, officials, or legal systems that are difficult to verify
- Offers you a large percentage of funds in return for upfront payment
How to protect yourself
- Recognise that legitimate inheritance processes do not require crowdfunded contributions from romantic partners
- Consult an independent lawyer if told you are a legitimate beneficiary of an estate
- Never pay fees to receive a financial windfall you did not independently initiate
- Discuss unusual financial requests with a trusted friend before acting
- Keep records of all communications and transfer receipts
How to report it
- Report the profile to the dating app through its built-in safety reporting tools
- File a complaint with your national fraud or cybercrime reporting service
- Contact your bank or payment provider if funds have been sent
Frequently asked questions
Can a legitimate inheritance ever require payment from a new romantic partner?
No. Genuine inheritance matters are handled through lawyers, courts, and financial institutions. If someone you met recently online is asking you to fund their inheritance claim, it is a scam.