Internet-based romance fraud refers to deceptive practices in the context of online dating, where perpetrators make contact with potential victims under false identities. Typical profiles use attractive images, credible biographies, and consistent details to build trust. Over extended conversations, a personal relationship is developed, reinforced by a sense of closeness, shared interests, and stories crafted to appear convincing. In many cases, the illusory nature of the connection is intensified by gestures of mild support, rapid expressions of affection, and long absences by the perpetrator, all designed to bind the victim and create the impression of genuine intimacy. As the interaction progresses, victims often develop emotional dependency, while the perpetrator gradually creates urgency and describes supposed life circumstances that justify imminent closeness or family ties. Financial requests usually appear as emergencies, travel expenses, medical costs, or investment opportunities, often backed by plausible explanations and urgent time pressure. The methods rely on social engineering, credible lies, and exploiting asymmetries in communication, often involving fake payment methods or business accounts. The aim is financial gain, sometimes supplemented by identity theft or extortion. The consequences include monetary loss, emotional distress, and damage to trust, both in private life and in the digital sphere. Reporting systems, prevention programs, and platform policies are intended to provide education, detection, and rapid response to suspected cases, as well as support for those affected. The issue remains internationally relevant, as cross-border contacts and the use of fake profiles make identification and prosecution more difficult, requiring a coordinated response.