He said he loved me. Then he asked for gift cards.

I was divorced and had been single long enough that loneliness felt normal. When we connected online he was attentive and sweet; I was not looking for rescue, just to feel seen. We talked every day until "I love you" felt plausible.

He claimed military duty limited video calls. The first favour was gift cards for a nephew—cash-only where he was deployed, he said. Then phone bills, emergencies, problems only I could solve. Each time he thanked me like I had saved his life.

Gift cards kept coming because they are fast and irreversible. I bought hundreds, then thousands, while every plan to meet or call properly dissolved into new crises.

I told myself partners show up when someone is in trouble. I was embarrassed to admit the pattern looked like fraud, so I bought another card instead of telling a friend.

When I refused more cards until we met in person, he vanished—number dead, profile gone. His photos sat on a scam-warning site attached to other women's stories. That mirror was the end of the love story.

I lost thousands and could not face my kids with the truth for months. Shame sat on my chest until reporting broke the isolation.

Anyone who says they love you but only collects gift cards is running a script. I wish I had said no to the first favour.

• Gift cards are a red flag for romance and "official" scams.
• Never send money to someone you have not met. Report to the FTC.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.