Expert issues five signs that your romance is actually a scam

The path to true love never did run smooth especially when they're just after your cash.

Finding love is difficult enough without also having to sift through fraudsters, alas, it's a reality of dating in the 21st Century.

And as Valentine's day is now upon us, it's more important than ever to be clued up on what to look out for when navigating the online dating world.

Thankfully, financial crime specialist at Starling Bank, Sarah Lenette, has revealed five warning signs of someone's intentions not being as pure or romantic as you'd hope.

There are some key signs to look out for (Getty stock image)

Do they have social media?

If they don't have profiles on any social media platforms bar their dating apps, this is definitely a red flag as it prevents you from checking they're a real person or who they say they are.

Lenette told The Independent doing 'a reverse image search' which you can do via Google or 'platforms such as TinEye'.

She explains TinEye 'checks whether the profile listed on "their" profile link back to different individuals'.

"If the pictures don't match up, question why this is," she advises.

Do they have other social media? (Getty Stock Images)

Have you video called or met in person?

With the rise of artificial intelligence it's getting easier and easier for people to use a fake image to create a persona online.

If your match is giving excuses each time you ask to meet up or video call then 'proceed with caution' Lenette notes.

She explains some common excuses used by fraudsters can be that they 'work abroad or are in the military'.

Have you video called? (Getty Stock Images)

Do they want to keep the relationship a secret?

Well, this may ramp up the heat between you two, but ultimately it's a dangerous game to play and means they could be trying to isolate you away from loved ones and people who could point out something dodgy is going on.

Lenette says you should 'always take a step back and ask why' someone doesn't want you to share information.

Granted, it can get easy to get caught up in your love bubble, which leads on to the next sign of a potential fraudster - love bombing.

Are they asking you to keep the relationship a secret? (Getty Stock Images)

Is it true love? Or is it love bombing?

We all want to feel loved and love the feeling of love, but it's important to try and remain level-headed so you don't get swept up and give too much of yourself - or your details or money - away.

Whether 'excessive flattery, overly communicating their feelings for you and being intense about your future together at too early a stage,' Lenette explains this can make you forget how little you actually know someone and become dependent on them and then be more susceptible to fulfilling whatever requests they make of you because you want to remain close to them, please them and stay on their good side.

And well, the final red flag is pretty obvious.

This red flag is fairly obvious (Getty Stock Images)

Have they outright asked for money?

This one kind of says what it is on the tin.

Anyone asking for money unexpectedly and over message is a red flag.

Make sure you know who you're talking to, that it's definitely them on the end of the phone and proceed with caution - particularly if they're stressing it's urgent and you need to act fast.

You've been warned.