Is a romance partner asking me to receive and forward money a scam?
Yes. Being asked to receive money and pass it on is money-mule recruitment — it is illegal and you could face criminal liability, regardless of your feelings for the person.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
A common pattern in romance fraud involves a scammer building a relationship over weeks or months, then asking you to help them with a 'business problem' or 'emergency'. You are asked to receive a transfer into your account and forward it on — minus a small commission — to another person or account. You may be told it is for a business deal, a stranded relative, or a financial complication.
This is money-mule recruitment. The money being transferred is almost certainly the proceeds of crime — stolen from other fraud victims. By accepting and forwarding it, you are participating in money laundering, which is a serious criminal offence in most countries. Your bank may freeze your account and report you to authorities. Being deceived by a romantic partner is deeply relevant context, but it does not automatically remove legal liability. If this has happened, seek legal advice and speak to your bank honestly about what occurred.
Common red flags
- Online romantic partner asks you to receive money and forward it
- Explanation involves a business deal, emergency, or complication that prevents direct transfer
- You are offered a commission to keep
- Requests are framed as a favour or test of trust in the relationship
- Partner discourages you from telling family or friends
- You have never met this person in person
What to do now
- Refuse the request immediately and do not move any money already received
- Contact your bank if money has arrived in your account
- Report the romance contact to the platform and your national fraud service
- Seek independent legal advice if your account has already been used
- Tell a trusted person — the emotional manipulation involved can make it hard to act alone
Frequently asked questions
I genuinely care about this person. Could they have a legitimate reason?
Scammers invest heavily in building emotional connection precisely to reach this point. The request itself — receive money and forward it — is the defining signal. A genuine partner does not need you to launder money for them.
I already forwarded the money. What should I do?
Contact your bank immediately and be honest about what happened. Voluntary disclosure and cooperation matter. Seek independent legal advice about your position, and report the romance scam to the relevant fraud service.
Will my bank close my account?
Banks that identify money-mule activity typically freeze accounts and may report to law enforcement. Speaking to your bank proactively about being deceived is important — it shows cooperation and provides important context.