It's important to be vigilant when you're planning to meet someone special in Thailand.
Whether she's a Thai woman you connected with through a dating app or a chance encounter while visiting famous tourist spots, you need to make sure you have all the facts before going all in.
As internet romance scams have become alarmingly common, meeting strangers abroad can quickly become dangerous if you aren’t careful.
More than learning how to find out if someone is scamming you, it’s also necessary for you to confirm that someone is really who they say they are before you give them anything.
Though the possibilities for romance in Thailand are endless, so are the risks of you losing something important—be it your time, your money, or your heart.
What Are Internet Romance Scams?
Romance scams are some of the worst pitfalls of the digital age.
Most of these fraud operators steal another person’s identity or create fake profiles, often of women who seem too good to be true. They lure men under the pretense of romantic interest, arrange dates, and eventually ask for money before disappearing and doing the same thing to someone else.
They operate online since it’s easier to connect with their victims over the internet, and common targets tend to be people traveling, engaging in international dating, or those looking for companionship online.
In Thailand, scammers take advantage of the booming tourism industry and international dating scene. They focus on foreigners looking to meet local women, and who may not be familiar with their tactics.
The best way to avoid being one of their victims is by equipping yourself with the knowledge of exactly how their schemes work.
What are Common Scammer Red Flags?
There are several dating red flags that you need to watch out for, like inconsistencies in their stories, evasiveness, and a keen interest in your financial status.
Below are other signs to help you understand how to find out if someone is scamming you:
1. They quickly move the conversation to another platform.
It doesn’t matter if you’re already using a safe and legitimate website; they will often urge you to move the conversation elsewhere.
For example, if you’re planning a date with a girl from Tinder, she would likely push you to continue messaging her on a less secure platform if she’s a scammer.
Operators of romance fraud use this tactic to control the situation, especially if their target isn’t tech-savvy. Many private messaging apps are poorly monitored and ineffective at addressing reports, making this one of the first red flags to monitor.
2. They love bomb you in the initial stages of the relationship.
It’s not impossible to fall in love online, but many scammers go ‘all in’ early to cement their hold over your emotions by saying sweet nothings and professing their undying love to you.
While some play the long game, others strike quickly, often targeting foreigners who are elderly, less familiar with digital technology, or have weak device security. The intensity of affection in the early stages is often a manipulation tactic rather than genuine emotions.
3. They avoid video calls or meetups in person.
Scammers also try to halt meetups or never show their actual faces on the internet. They avoid presenting themselves unless they have advanced technology that helps them cover their tracks. Even after professing love, refusing to appear on video is a clear warning sign in internet romance scams.
When learning how to find out if someone is scamming you, excuses like a broken camera, a malfunctioning microphone, or a lack of funds to meet are the most common and predictable indicators to watch out for. Recognizing these patterns early can save you from falling victim to their schemes.
4. Their story keeps changing.
Pay attention to details, like names of family members and recurring personal issues. The stories that scammers share with their victims often contradict each other or lack consistency.
If you challenge these inconsistencies, they may gaslight you, feign ignorance, or blame technical errors. This behavior can also lead to sudden ghosting, a hallmark of many imposter scams.
5. They constantly ask for money or financial help.
The conversations you have with them often shift toward their financial hardships.
Common cover stories include requests for help with emergencies, medical bills, business problems, or travel costs. There will be moments when they will hint that they won’t be able to communicate with you anymore unless something is done, which implies that you need to do something in order to keep the connection.
Although these requests may seem minor at first, they are designed to test your willingness to send money out of trust or affection. This is one of the most common tactics in Thailand fraud cases.
Why Romance Scams Are Common in Thailand
The prevalence of romance scams is tied to cultural and economic factors that make the country a prime target for foreign visitors seeking romance, especially during high-tourist seasons like festivals and Christmas in Thailand.
According to Siam Legal International, these scams often capitalize on the perceived friendliness of locals, which serves as bait for tourists and potential victims.
Fortunately, Thailand’s Anti-Online Scam Operation Center is a big hindrance to these operations, with the government strongly urging everyone to report scam accounts and profiles to the authorities to prevent financial loss, identity theft, or emotional distress.
Knowing how to find out if someone is scamming you is essential in helping take down these operations, not just in Thailand but also in other parts of the globe.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Scammers
To protect yourself from romance scams, you must also do your part in flagging suspicious accounts as part of your online dating routine. After all, online platforms impose strict fines and bans on multiple accounts linked to scams, which wouldn’t be possible without the vigilance of users.
Here are some other things you can do to safeguard your data as well as your heart:
- Never provide sensitive information about yourself or your loved ones online to prevent blackmail and phishing.
- Never flaunt your money or assets online if you don't want to become an easy target.
- Don’t rush into a relationship. Instead, take your time to get to know the person and their intentions.
- Never send money, gift card information, or crypto credits, no matter how much they’re asking for or what purpose they claim to need those funds for.
- Be wary of people you meet online who express their feelings too early in your interactions.
Your safety should always come first. For a foreigner visiting Thailand, taking the time to do proper background checks and using legitimate dating apps trusted by locals and foreigners alike can help protect both you and your date.
This allows you to enjoy a scam-free experience while getting to know the country, the culture, and your special someone.
There is nothing wrong with dating online or meeting someone while traveling abroad as long as you know how to protect yourself. Learning how to find out if someone is scamming you is one of the most effective ways to separate genuine women from criminals before emotions and money get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a romance scam and how does it start?
Why are romance scams so common for tourists in Thailand?
How can I verify a person's identity when dating online?
What should I do if a connection asks me for money?
Where do I report a suspected online romance scammer in Thailand?
References:
Siam Legal International. n.d. “Romance Scams in Thailand | Thailand Law Library.” Thailand Law Library. Accessed December 15, 2025. https://library.siam-legal.com/romance-scams-in-thailand/.
“Anti Online Scam Operation Center: AOC — WSIS Prizes 2025.” n.d. ITU. Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/stocktaking/Prizes/Prizes/Details/17391527088386872.