Romance scams, sextortion and impersonation
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Most people you meet on Vennu are exactly who they say they are. A few are not. Scammers are patient and friendly, and they are good at it — being targeted says nothing about you. Here is how the common scams work and what to do.
The one rule: never send money, gift cards, crypto or your financial details to someone you have only met online — no matter how real the story sounds.
Romance scams
A romance scammer builds a relationship first and asks for money later. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on a social media platform (FTC, April 27, 2026). Dating apps are another place they look. Warning signs:
- They ask for money. An emergency, a medical bill, a flight to finally see you, a customs fee, a frozen bank account.
- They offer an “investment”. A tip on crypto, trading or a special platform where they “made a lot”. Small early wins are part of the trick.
- They want to move off the app fast — to WhatsApp, Telegram or text — where our safety team can’t see reports in context.
- They never manage to meet. Always a reason not to video-call or meet in person: working abroad, on an oil rig, in the military.
- It moves very quickly. Strong feelings after a few messages, and pressure to keep it secret.
Sextortion
Someone gets you to share intimate photos or video, then threatens to send them to your friends, family or employer unless you pay or send more. If this happens:
- Don’t pay. Paying rarely ends it; it usually leads to more demands.
- Stop replying and don’t send anything else.
- Keep evidence — screenshots of the profile, the messages and any payment details they sent you — before you block.
- Report and block them in the app. You can also ask us to remove intimate images with our Take It Down request form (no account needed).
- Get help: report to the FBI at ic3.gov. Adults can use StopNCII.org to stop images from spreading on participating platforms. If the images were taken when you were under 18, use Take It Down and NCMEC’s CyberTipline.
It is not your fault, and you are not alone.
Impersonation and fake profiles
Some profiles use someone else’s photos or pretend to be a celebrity, a soldier or a business owner. A reverse image search of their photos can show where else those photos appear online. A short video call before you meet is a simple way to check that the person matches the profile. If someone uses your photos or name, report the profile in the app or email reports@vennuapp.com.
The verified badge helps, but it has limits — see what the badge means.
How to report a scam
- In the app: open the profile or chat and tap report. Reports are confidential. See how reporting works.
- No account? Email reports@vennuapp.com.
- Lost money? Contact your bank or payment provider right away, then report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at ic3.gov. The FTC’s guide What to know about romance scams explains next steps.
When we ban a member for fraud, we also let members who exchanged messages with them know — see notices to other members.