**What is a romance scam?** In a romance or dating scam, the victim is tricked into thinking they’ve found true love online. Scammers play with your emotions, pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship. They use flattering words and stolen pictures to win trust and affection. Once they have the victim hooked, they ask for money or gift cards. They might claim it’s for a plane ticket to meet up or to cover unexpected medical expenses. They prey on the desire for love and companionship, making it hard to say no. **How you can protect yourself from romance scams:** - **Trust Your Instincts:** If something feels off, take a step back. - **Stay on the App:** Scammers often try to move conversations off dating platforms quickly to avoid detection. - **Verify Their Story:** Verify the person’s identity by doing a reverse image search or asking for a video call. - **Be Cautious of Love Bombing:** Scammers often use "love bombing" to overwhelm you with excessive compliments, grand promises, or declarations of love early on. While it may feel flattering, this is a common tactic to lower your guard and build quick trust. Take your time to get to know someone and be wary if they push for intense emotional closeness too soon. - **Avoid Sending Money:** Requests for financial assistance, especially early on, are a major red flag, even if the person appears to be in a dire situation. - **Secure Your Accounts:** Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all your financial accounts. - **Learn to Spot AI Deception:** Scammers may use AI-generated text or images to seem more authentic. Look for inconsistencies in their communication or overly polished profiles.

Centrum voor vertrouwen en veiligheid

Vergroot je kennis over online veiligheid. Welkom in ons Centrum voor vertrouwen en veiligheid Deze uitgebreide informatiebron is ontworpen om je op de hoogte te houden en je te beschermen met deskundige tips, hulpmiddelen en richtlijnen om oplichting te herkennen, te melden en je ertegen te beschermen. Bij Remitly helpen we je te beschermen wat voor jou het belangrijkst is.

Wat is een scam?

Een scam is een misleidend plan dat bedoeld is om je geld of persoonlijke gegevens te ontfutselen. Iemand met kwade bedoelingen kan je vertrouwen winnen door zich voor te doen als familielid, potentiële geliefde, financieel expert of overheidsfunctionaris.

Persoon met een smartphone in de ene hand en een creditcard in de andere.

What is a tax scam?

Scammers impersonate trusted entities like the IRS, tax professionals, or charity organizations, tricking individuals into sending money or disclosing personal or financial information. These imposters use convincing tactics such as official-looking websites, fake caller IDs displaying “IRS”, even AI generated voices or messages to appear legitimate. This type of scam heightens during or around tax season but can occur all year-round.

Common scam tactics include: fake tax deductible charity donations, advanced-fee refunds or special tax credits, and unpaid tax claims to name a few.

A close-up of a person holding a cell phone in their hands

How you can protect yourself from tax scams:

Be suspicious of unexpected communications: Scammers frequently use unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages claiming to be the IRS or a tax professional.
Be on alert for these messages: Threats of arrest or legal action, “looks too good to be true” refund offers, refunds or tax credits which require an advanced deposit, and urgent claims that your account needs assistance. Poor grammar, spelling errors, or odd formatting is a clear tip off.
Reflect on the payment method: Scammers often demand payment to be sent via gift cards, money transfer apps, or cryptocurrency. Always visit the official tax office website to verify payment procedures, and use a URL checker to ensure you’re not being directed to a fraudulent site.
Verify the legitimacy of a tax professional with the IRS’s Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers and the legitimacy of a charity with the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) Tool.
Don’t rush, ask for help: Scammers rely on pressure tactics. If something feels off, pause, reflect, and consider consulting a trusted family member or friend before responding or sharing any information.

Bescherm jezelf tegen:

Romance scams

What is a romance scam?

In a romance or dating scam, the victim is tricked into thinking they’ve found true love online. Scammers play with your emotions, pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship. They use flattering words and stolen pictures to win trust and affection.

Once they have the victim hooked, they ask for money or gift cards. They might claim it’s for a plane ticket to meet up or to cover unexpected medical expenses. They prey on the desire for love and companionship, making it hard to say no.

How you can protect yourself from romance scams:

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, take a step back.
Stay on the App: Scammers often try to move conversations off dating platforms quickly to avoid detection.
Verify Their Story: Verify the person’s identity by doing a reverse image search or asking for a video call.
Be Cautious of Love Bombing: Scammers often use "love bombing" to overwhelm you with excessive compliments, grand promises, or declarations of love early on. While it may feel flattering, this is a common tactic to lower your guard and build quick trust. Take your time to get to know someone and be wary if they push for intense emotional closeness too soon.
Avoid Sending Money: Requests for financial assistance, especially early on, are a major red flag, even if the person appears to be in a dire situation.
Secure Your Accounts: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all your financial accounts.
Learn to Spot AI Deception: Scammers may use AI-generated text or images to seem more authentic. Look for inconsistencies in their communication or overly polished profiles.

Are you scam-savvy?

With scams becoming more sophisticated, staying alert is essential.

Take this quiz which will test your ability to recognize the warning signs and protect yourself. Ready to see if you're scam-savvy?

Welke middelen tegen scams moet ik gebruiken?

11 veelvoorkomende vormen van scams met geldoverschrijvingen en hoe deze te vermijden

Overal waar geld mee is gemoeid, is er oplichting. Deze gids helpt je om scams met geldoverschrijvingen te vermijden.

How to Avoid Holiday Scams and Keep Your Remitly Account Safe

Don't get caught out online. Follow Remitly's top tips to avoid holiday scams and stay safe when using Remitly.

Helpcentrum: hoe bescherm ik mezelf tegen scams of fraude?

Leer hoe je jezelf kunt beschermen tegen scams en hoe je je Remitly-rekening veilig kunt houden.

Collaboration with Get Safe Online

In partnership with Get Safe Online (a global online safety organization), Remitly hosted a webinar exploring practical tips to help you stay scam-savvy and keep your information secure. From spotting the early warning signs of fraud to learning how to protect yourself in real time, this webinar is packed with actionable advice.

Learn more about scams and fraud with Get Safe Online's advice in the video below.

Watch our webinar with Get Safe Online below

Een scam melden

Als je vermoedt dat je bent opgelicht, staat ons gespecialiseerde team klaar om je te helpen. Klik op de knop hieronder om contact op te nemen.

Externe bronnen tegen scams

Whether you need to look up scam reports or find professional support in your area, these trusted resources can help.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fraud and scam guide: This U.S. government agency helps make sure people understand their rights and are treated fairly by financial organizations.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission fraud reporting website: Use this government website to report fraud and scams and help law enforcement protect others.
Federal Bureau of Investigation scams and safety page:
Find resources for reporting and avoiding scams on this U.S. government website.
Ready.gov cybersecurity resources: This U.S. government website has guidance for what to do before, during, and after your information or money has been stolen.
Get Safe Online: Learn about how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your business as you use the internet.