Scammed or Ghosted? 5 Signs to Tell the Difference in Online Dating

A few months back, I got a message from a client, one I’ve heard countless times before.

“We talked every single day for almost two months. She sent me voice notes, said she was falling for me. And then… nothing. Total silence. It’s like she vanished. Was any of it real? Did I get scammed? Or did she just ghost me?”

I could feel it in his words,the confusion, the embarrassment, the sting of “What the hell just happened?”

And honestly, I understand. In the world of international dating, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between a well-played scam and a painful ghosting. Both can leave you hurt. But only one might also leave your bank account feeling lighter.

So, how do you know if she simply walked away,or if she was never truly there to begin with?

Let’s take a clear, honest look at how to spot the signs, and protect your heart (and wallet) in the process.

Reasons Why You Can Trust Us

When She Disappears Without a Trace: Understanding Ghosting in International Dating

Ghosting is one of those experiences that stings no matter how often we talk about it. It’s when someone you were connecting with simply walks away—no warning, no explanation, and no goodbye. Sometimes it’s a slow fade. Other times, it’s like they vanish into thin air.

And yes, ghosting happens in international dating too. Just because there’s an ocean between you doesn’t mean it can’t feel personal.

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There are a few signs that usually point to ghosting rather than a scam:

It can feel sudden and cold. It might even leave you re-reading your last messages wondering what went wrong. But the truth is, ghosting is rarely calculated. She probably didn’t plan it—she just moved on.

People ghost for all kinds of reasons: they get distracted, overwhelmed, emotionally unavailable, or yes—sometimes they’re just plain inconsiderate.

It hurts. But it doesn’t mean you were scammed.

When She Disappears with Your Trust: Spotting a Scam Disguised as Love

Now this is where things get heavier—and far more painful.

When a scammer vanishes, it’s not ghosting. It’s an exit after extraction. Scammers don’t leave because the connection faded; they leave because they got what they came for—or realized they weren’t going to. Sadly, that second scenario happens far less often than it should.

Here’s what a scam-related disappearance typically looks like:

That’s not confusion or heartbreak. That’s manipulation.

Ghosting hurts because it’s a lost connection. A scam hurts because it was never a connection at all—it was a transaction. And once that transaction ends, so does the illusion.

Ghosted or Scammed? Ask Yourself This First

Still unsure what really happened? If you’re sitting there replaying every message, wondering, “But what if she actually liked me?” — here’s a quick gut-check to help you sort through the fog.

If it all felt overwhelming, rushed, and somehow involved money—no matter how little—then you’re not dealing with ghosting. You’re looking at a setup.

That’s not heartbreak. That’s manipulation wearing the mask of affection. And it’s okay to grieve it—but it’s also important to call it what it is.

What matters is that you keep learning—about people, about red flags, and most importantly, about your own instincts. Because the more you learn to trust yourself, the quicker you’ll recognize what’s real and what isn’t.
krystyna trushyna
Krystyna
Blogger at Ukrainain Dating Stories

Read This Before You Blame Yourself

Here’s something important—something I want you to really hear: You’re not foolish for caring. You’re not naïve for getting your hopes up. And you are absolutely not the only one who’s been here.

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Anyone who steps into the world of international dating will, at some point, face that awful, gut-punch question: “Was this a scam… or did she just stop caring?”

But the truth? Sometimes it’s neither.

Sometimes it’s bad timing. Sometimes it’s culture clash. Sometimes it’s just one of life’s many misunderstandings.

What matters is that you keep learning—about people, about red flags, and most importantly, about your own instincts. Because the more you learn to trust yourself, the quicker you’ll recognize what’s real and what isn’t. And that, more than anything, is what will help you find the connection you’re looking for.

Been Left in the Silence? Let’s Talk About It

Now it’s your turn.

Have you ever felt that sudden shift—when a promising connection just went quiet? No explanation, no warning—just gone. Did you find yourself replaying the conversations, trying to figure out what went wrong?

I’d love to hear your story.

Was there a moment that made you pause? A red flag you missed at first? Or maybe something small that suddenly made everything click?

Hit reply and tell me what happened—what you saw, what you felt, and what you’ve learned. The honest, the awkward, the “I should’ve known”—I want to hear it all.

You want to learn how to find a great foreign woman and experience exciting International dating adventure, but you have no clue of where to start. Not to worry, we are here to help! ☝️ Ask Krystyna
Krystyna Dating Blogger
About the editor: Krystyna is the author of three dating ebooks, including  ‘International Dating Digest For Men: Finding Love Overseas’.
As the leading dating blogger Krystyna is a consultant for many dating services and is involved in a wide variety of different areas, such as personal dating coaching and romance scam.
With decades of experience, Krystyna is the authority on the international dating scene, and it’s her passion to help people sustain relationships that bridge cultures and countries.

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