Scam warning
Lonely-Hearts Letters
Romance scams don't only happen online. Some scammers write warm, loving letters through the mail, often from prison or another country. After building trust, they ask for money, gift cards or help sending packages.
Also called: Pen pal scam, Prison pen pal scam, Lonely hearts scam
The one thing to remember
Never send money to a pen pal you haven't met in person, however close you feel.
How it happens
- You start writing to someone through a pen pal service, an ad, or a letter that just arrives.
- Their letters are loving and flattering.
- They have problems: legal bills, a sick relative, money stuck overseas.
- They ask you to send money, buy gift cards, or forward packages or checks.
Warning signs
- Words of love very early.
- Stories of hardship that need money.
- Being asked to cash checks or reship packages for them.
- Being asked to keep the relationship secret.
What to do
- Don't send money or gift cards.
- Don't cash checks or forward packages for a pen pal. That could get you in legal trouble.
- Talk to a family member or friend about the letters.
Last checked: October 31, 2026