Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and apps, or contact their targets through popular social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, or Google Hangouts. The scammers strike up a relationship with their targets to build their trust, sometimes talking or chatting several times a day.

What happens if you text a scammer back?

Responding to the text message can allow malware to be installed that will silently collect personal information from your phone. If they dont use your information themselves, the spammers may sell it to marketers or other identity thieves. You might end up with unwanted charges on your cell phone bill.