A scammer contacts someone online and builds a conversation over several weeks, showing an interest and appearing to genuinely want to build a friendship. They never ask for money. Instead, they gradually collect the person's full name, date of birth, email address, and the name of their bank. What is most likely happening?

Money is only one of three things scammers are after. Personal information and account access are just as valuable, and often more so. A name, date of birth, email, and bank name together are enough to attempt account takeovers, apply for credit, or sell the profile on. The slow build is not a sign the person is safe. It is a sign the scammer is being careful. Speed is not a reliable indicator of whether something is a scam.