Spotting video chat scams in the US: fake cams, Venmo asks and sextortion

In the first minute: a camera that doesn't respond

Some scammers play a pre-recorded clip of an attractive person instead of a live camera. The video loops, the lips don't match the audio, or the person never reacts to what you say.

Test it. Ask them to hold up three fingers or touch their ear. A live person can do that in a second. A recording can't, and an excuse like "my camera is glitchy" is your cue to tap Next.

Five minutes in: the platform hop

The next move is often "let's continue on Telegram" or "add me on Snap, it's more private." Off the platform, there's no Report button and no review team, which is exactly why they want you there.

Someone genuinely interested will still be interested after a few more calls. Keep it on momos, where a friend request lets you message later without handing over your number.

Days later: Venmo, Zelle, Cash App or gift cards

Romance-style scams build trust for days, then a problem appears: a car repair, a medical bill, a frozen bank account, a plane ticket to come see you. They ask for a Zelle or Cash App transfer, or for Apple or Google Play gift cards because those are "easier."

Payment app transfers and gift cards are hard to reverse, which is why scammers prefer them. Anyone you have only met on camera who asks for money is not a love interest, whatever the story.

The crypto "mentor"

A friendly match mentions they made a lot of money trading and offers to show you how. The app or site they send you to shows impressive fake gains, then asks for more deposits or a "withdrawal fee."

Unsolicited investment tips from a stranger are a scam pattern, full stop. Don't sign up and don't send a test amount.

The "verify your account" link

Links pasted into chat that ask you to verify, see photos or claim a prize usually lead to fake login pages. Because momos uses Google sign-in, a fake Google login page is the one to watch for.

Don't open links from strangers. If you already typed your password, change it right away and turn on two-step verification in your Google account.

After the call: a sextortion threat

Sextortion starts with flirting and pressure to undress or do something sexual on camera. The scammer records their screen, then threatens to send the clip to your friends, family or employer unless you pay.

Stop replying and do not pay. Paying rarely ends it and often brings bigger demands. momos saves no call footage, but the other person can screen-record, so the safest rule is simple: if you wouldn't want it saved, don't do it on camera.

A 30-second red-flag checklist

You don't need to name the exact scam. Any one of these is enough to end the call.

• Their video loops, lags oddly or never reacts to you.
• They want to move to another app almost right away.
• Money comes up: Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, PayPal, wire, crypto or gift cards.
• They send a link and push you to open it or log in.
• They ask for your last name, school, employer or social handles early.
• They pressure you to undress or keep asking after you say no.
• They get angry or guilt-trip you when you refuse.

Where to report in the US

On momos, tap Report, then Block, in the call controls. Reports are reviewed by people and repeat offenders are banned. Screenshot threats, usernames and payment requests first, since momos has no recording to look back at.

Then report outside the app. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center takes reports at ic3.gov, and the FTC takes fraud reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you sent money, call your bank or the payment app right away. If images involve anyone under 18, NCMEC's Take It Down service can help get them removed. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

Scam patterns by stage and what to do