Fake 'Travel to Meet You' Scams
Plans to finally meet that always require you to fund tickets, visas or fees — then collapse.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A fake travel-to-meet-you scam dangles an imminent in-person meeting that requires you to pay for flights, visas, or 'travel clearance' — then falls through with a new cost each time.
How it works
After building a relationship, the partner finally agrees to visit. But they need help with a ticket, a visa, an airport fee, or being 'detained' and needing funds. The meeting never happens; the costs keep coming.
Common red flags
- Meeting depends on you funding travel
- Sudden visa, ticket or detention fees
- Repeated last-minute obstacles
- Documents that look off or generic
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Immigration is holding me and I need [amount] to be released so I can board my flight to you.
Payment methods used
- Bank transfer
- Money transfer
- Gift cards
- Crypto
Who is usually targeted
- People in long-distance online relationships
What to do immediately
- Stop funding travel costs
- Verify any 'official' claim independently
- Talk to someone you trust and report it
Evidence to preserve
- Chat history
- Travel documents sent
- Payment records
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Why do these meetings always fall through?
Because the meeting was never going to happen — each obstacle is a fresh excuse to request money. A genuine partner does not repeatedly need your funds to travel, nor get 'detained' requiring urgent payment.