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in Romance Scams
bbc.com
· 2026-02-05
An 85-year-old great-grandmother named Dorothy Fox lost £10,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a man named "Mark" on a dating site, gradually building trust before requesting money under false pretenses. The perpetrator, Johnson Ani Opare, was convicted of money laundering in 2017 and ordered to repay her, but over eight years later, nearly £7,000 remains outstanding with little hope of recovery. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating app matches who quickly ask for money, avoid sending funds to online contacts you haven't met in person, and verify suspicious photos and addresses before sharing personal information or money.
butlereagle.com
· 2026-02-05
AARP is warning Pennsylvania's elderly residents to watch out for romance scams—particularly "catfishing" schemes where scammers use fake identities on social media to build trust with lonely victims before asking for money. One victim, AARP volunteer Kate Kleinert, lost $39,000 after befriending someone who claimed to be a UN surgeon online. To protect yourself, be skeptical of romantic connections with people you've never met in person, verify identities before sharing personal information, and never send money to online acquaintances.
prlog.org
· 2026-02-05
A veteran detective with 25 years of fraud investigation experience has published a new guide to help seniors, families, and caregivers protect themselves from scams that cost older Americans billions of dollars annually. The book covers common threats like phone scams, romance scams, identity theft, and newer AI-driven impersonation schemes, while emphasizing that elder fraud exploits trust, fear, and isolation. Readers are advised to recognize red flags, safeguard personal information, build family protection plans, and report suspected fraud without shame—with the book providing checklists and step-by-step guidance for taking action.
igamingtoday.com
· 2026-02-05
Scammers across Asia are using AI and cryptocurrency to run increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, particularly "pig butchering" scams where they build fake relationships to trick victims into making fraudulent investments that are then laundered through crypto. A major crackdown in January exposed the scale of the problem, with authorities seizing over $14 billion in Bitcoin and hundreds of millions in assets from a single operation spanning multiple countries. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships pushing you toward gaming or investment opportunities, verify requests through independent channels, and remember that legitimate investments don't guarantee quick profits or require cryptocurrency payments.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2026-02-05
Japanese retailers are discontinuing acceptance of WeChat Pay and Alipay, China's major digital payment apps, citing concerns that criminal groups have been using these platforms to launder money by purchasing high-value goods in Japan for resale. The shift, which began in February, was triggered by Japan's stricter anti-money laundering enforcement and cooling diplomatic relations between the two countries, though Chinese tourists and businesses that once relied on these payment systems are now affected. To protect yourself, be cautious when dealing with unusually large cash transactions or purchasing expensive items from unknown sources, and report suspicious financial activity to local authorities.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-05
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company, raised $70 million in funding and reached a $1 billion valuation by developing AI tools to help institutions detect and prevent cryptocurrency fraud and cybercrime. The investment from major firms like Goldman Sachs and Bessemer Venture Partners reflects growing concern about AI-powered scams, particularly crypto phishing attacks that trick users into revealing wallet recovery phrases. Users can protect themselves by being cautious of unsolicited links, verifying authentication requests directly through official channels, and never sharing recovery phrases or private keys with anyone.
mexc.com
· 2026-02-05
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company that combats cryptocurrency fraud, raised $70 million in funding and reached a $1 billion valuation, which it plans to use to expand its AI-powered fraud detection tools. While crypto phishing scams remain a threat—including a recent case where a Bitcoin investor lost their retirement savings to an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam—reported losses actually decreased significantly from $494 million in 2024 to $83.3 million in 2025. To protect yourself, use reputable exchanges and wallets, verify communication with institutions before sharing information or money, and remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising quick returns.
globalnews.ca
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to conduct romance scams on dating apps and social media, particularly around Valentine's Day when people are most vulnerable. Canadians lost over $54 million to romance scams between January and September 2025, with fraudsters building trust before convincing victims to invest in fake platforms, often taking their money permanently. To protect yourself, experts recommend meeting online connections in person at a safe location and being wary of anyone who consistently makes excuses to avoid meeting face-to-face, as this is a major red flag.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-04
# Romance Scam Warning
As Valentine's Day approaches, the FBI is warning people about romance scams where fraudsters pose as romantic interests on dating apps and social media, build trust, and then request money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These scams can affect anyone using online dating platforms, making them vulnerable to financial loss and potential identity theft. To protect yourself, treat any request for money or personal information as a immediate red flag and cut off contact with the person; if you suspect you've been targeted, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center online.
wdef.com
· 2026-02-04
Romance scams targeting seniors are on the rise, with nearly one in ten adults over 50 being targeted by scammers who pose as romantic interests and eventually request money or cryptocurrency investments. These sophisticated schemes, often run by international criminal organizations, exploit shared interests to build trust over months before making their financial requests, with adults aged 50-64 being targeted at twice the rate of those 65 and older. To protect yourself, experts advise slowing down financial decisions, watching for red flags like requests for digital payments or gift cards from people you've never met, and remembering that legitimate romantic partners won't pressure you for money or rushed investments.
bpi.com
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud and Scams in America: A Growing Crisis
Fraud and scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack, and one in five Americans losing money to these crimes. Most fraud originates outside the traditional banking system through social media, telecom platforms, and overseas scam centers in Southeast Asia, where U.S. law enforcement has limited reach. To combat this crisis, experts recommend that consumers stay vigilant against impersonation tactics and suspicious communications, while calling for greater accountability and coordination between government, banks, social media platforms, and telecom companies to prevent fraud before it reaches consumers.
usatoday.com
· 2026-02-04
During extreme weather events, scammers impersonate utility company representatives via phone, text, or email to threaten service shutoffs or demand payment for repairs, targeting vulnerable people who fear losing heat or power. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these scams surge after storms and outages, with criminals even claiming they can restore power faster for a fee or personal information. To protect yourself, pause before paying or sharing financial details and discuss any suspicious contact with a trusted friend or family member before taking action.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-02-04
# Romance Scams Target Millions of Older Adults
Romance scams are hitting older Americans hard, with approximately 11 million adults age 50 and older—nearly 1 in 10—falling victim to online scammers who pose as romantic interests and request money or cryptocurrency investments. Adults ages 50-64 face the highest risk, receiving fake solicitations at more than double the rate of those 65 and older, and about 1 in 6 older adults report losing money through these schemes. To protect yourself, stay informed about common warning signs, be cautious of online romantic connections asking for financial help, and—importantly—report suspicious activity to law enforcement or your bank rather than staying silent out of shame, since more than half of victims currently don't report their losses, allowing scammers to continue targeting others.
gallego.senate.gov
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud Scams Summary
Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno introduced bipartisan legislation called the SCAM Act to combat fraudulent online advertisements that cost Americans billions annually, particularly on social media platforms. The bill would require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent scam ads and strengthen the Federal Trade Commission's and states' ability to enforce consumer protection laws against violators. The actionable takeaway for consumers is to remain vigilant about ads on social media—verify offers independently before engaging, and report suspicious advertisements to the platforms and the FTC.
cnhi.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voice clones and deepfake technology to impersonate loved ones and government officials, targeting older Americans with devastating results. In 2024 alone, seniors lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud—a 43% increase from the previous year—with victims over 60 losing an average of $83,000 compared to $19,000 for younger victims. To protect yourself, verify requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of emotional urgency or requests for secrecy, and hang up and independently confirm the caller's identity before sending any funds.
2822news.com
· 2026-02-04
The FBI is warning people about romance scams that spike around Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as potential romantic partners on dating apps and social media to build trust before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Anyone who receives requests for money or personal information from an online love interest should immediately cut off contact, as this is a major warning sign of a scam. Victims or those who suspect they've been targeted should report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center online.
wokv.com
· 2026-02-04
Romance scammers are targeting Northeast Florida residents at an alarming rate, with the FBI reporting a 39% surge in victims from 2024 to 2025 and losses more than doubling from $4.9 million to $10.6 million. Anyone who suspects they're being targeted by these scams should report it immediately to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov to protect themselves and help authorities track down the perpetrators.
thegamingboardroom.com
· 2026-02-04
China executed 11 members of the Ming family, a Myanmar-based criminal organization that defrauded victims of over $1.4 billion between 2015 and 2023 through romance scams, investment schemes, and illegal gambling operations run from the Kokang region. These "pig-butchering" scams—which lured victims into fake relationships or investment opportunities—operated from weakly regulated border towns and involved forced labor, torture, and murder to maintain control. Anyone involved in online payments, gambling, or compliance should be aware that these cross-border scam networks operate in unregulated zones, and diplomatic pressure between nations can trigger enforcement actions that disrupt these operations.
mexc.com
· 2026-02-04
New York prosecutors are warning Congress that major stablecoin companies Tether and Circle are profiting from stolen cryptocurrency by earning billions in interest on flagged funds instead of returning them to victims or authorities. The recently passed GENIUS Act, designed to regulate stablecoins, lacks protections requiring companies to return stolen assets, creating what prosecutors call a loophole that allows these firms to keep and profit from victims' money. To protect yourself, remain cautious of investment schemes and "pig butchering" scams, verify that any platform holding your funds has proper legal obligations to return stolen assets, and report suspected fraud to authorities like the NYC Attorney General's office.
asiasentinel.com
· 2026-02-04
Cambodia has been shutting down massive cyberscam operations that forced tens of thousands of kidnapped workers to defraud victims worldwide through romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and other fraud schemes, following pressure from China, the United States, and South Korea. Recent raids have arrested thousands of foreign scam operators, though critics question the government's sincerity, noting that some operators fled ahead of raids and that senior Cambodian officials allegedly benefit from these operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic contacts, investment opportunities from strangers, especially those involving cryptocurrency or "pig butchering" schemes, and verify any financial opportunities through independent sources before sending money.
atvtoday.co.uk
· 2026-02-04
As Valentine's Day approaches, cybersecurity experts are warning dating app users about a surge in "pig butchering" scams—sophisticated romance fraud schemes where scammers build fake relationships over weeks to manipulate victims into cryptocurrency investments, contributing to a record $17 billion in global losses in 2025. Red flags include scammers pushing conversations to encrypted messaging apps quickly, moving discussions toward investment opportunities, and using fake success stories with high-pressure tactics to extract money. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating matches who move too fast, avoid shifting to private messaging platforms early, and never invest money based on relationship-based investment advice.
thegamingboardroom.com
· 2026-02-04
Fraud and scams across Asia are surging due to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, with criminals using AI-generated deepfakes, synthetic identities, and crypto for money laundering, while also running "pig butchering" romance investment scams—a trend highlighted by recent high-profile arrests like Vincent Chen Zhi linked to Cambodia's Prince Group. Gaming, fintech, and financial services companies across the region face significant operational and reputational risk, particularly those handling customer verification (KYC), payments, and cross-border transactions. **Actionable advice**: If you work in compliance, security, or operations in Asia's gaming or fintech sectors, strengthen your customer identity verification processes, enhance transaction monitoring systems, and update fraud detection tools to catch AI-enabled forgeries and crypto-based schemes.
whec.com
· 2026-02-03
In 2024, New Yorkers lost $25 million to romance scams, which target vulnerable people—particularly those over 50—by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Scammers impersonate celebrities or public figures on social media, using flattery and personal questions to develop fake relationships that eventually lead to financial requests via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like unsolicited social media contact, requests to move conversations to private messaging apps, and requests for money; if scammed, report it to the platform and authorities including the FBI and FTC.
gmanetwork.com
· 2026-02-03
# Love Scams on the Rise This Valentine's Season
As Valentine's Day approaches, Filipino authorities are warning people about six types of love scams that target lonely hearts seeking romance online, ranging from sob-story manipulators and fake military personnel to cryptocurrency investment schemes and blackmail operations using intimate photos. These scammers exploit emotional vulnerability to steal money and personal information, with the most dangerous being "slow burn" scams that build trust over weeks or months before disappearing after securing funds. To protect yourself, be wary of online suitors who avoid meeting in person, ask for money, use suspiciously perfect photos, or pressure you into investments or intimate photo sharing—remember that genuine relationships develop gradually and authentic partners won't persistently make excuses to avoid face-to-face meetings.
aarp.org
· 2026-02-03
Romance scams targeting adults 50 and older are surprisingly common, with nearly one in ten having encountered a scammer requesting money or cryptocurrency investments, and one in six knowing someone who lost money to such schemes. These scams primarily occur on dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms where older adults seek companionship, exploiting emotional vulnerability through fabricated personas and manipulative stories. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money or investments, verify identities through video calls before sharing personal information, and report any suspicious activity—doing so helps law enforcement stop scammers and reduces the shame that prevents many victims from coming forward.
harlanenterprise.net
· 2026-02-03
Scam attempts have surged in recent months with criminals using AI voice technology, spoofed phone numbers, and fake websites to target residents through schemes like the "Grandparent Scam" (where scammers impersonate grandchildren in distress), fake government impostor calls threatening legal action, and romance scams on dating apps. Victims should hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify emergencies by contacting known phone numbers, never trust callers claiming to represent government agencies demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of people on dating apps who quickly profess deep feelings. The key defense is maintaining skepticism, independently verifying claims, and consulting trusted family members or official agency websites before responding to any urgent requests.
investmentnews.com
· 2026-02-03
The financial advice industry faces a growing risk as aging financial advisors may develop cognitive conditions like dementia, potentially putting clients' investments at risk. A case study highlighted a 57-year-old advisor who repeatedly forgot calling about continuing education and made duplicate client trades without realizing it, later diagnosed with dementia—a situation that created compliance and legal complications for his firm. Financial services firms should establish monitoring processes to identify advisors with declining cognitive abilities to protect both clients and the business, though experts acknowledge it's difficult to know how widespread the problem is.
thetruecitizen.com
· 2026-02-03
Romance scams spike around Valentine's Day, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating sites and building false relationships to eventually request money from victims under various pretexts like emergencies or investment opportunities. These schemes affect people seeking love online, with victims sometimes losing significant amounts of money through repeated requests or cryptocurrency investment fraud. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who avoid meeting in person, claim to be military or overseas, and eventually ask for money—verify their identity through video calls and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.
theguardian.com
· 2026-02-03
A woman named Tamsin fell victim to "romance fraud" when she met a charming mechanic who manipulated her through love-bombing over two years, causing her to abandon her marriage, job, home, and savings, leaving her with decades of debt to repay. The case highlights a growing problem of in-person romance scammers who target vulnerable people—particularly single mothers and divorcees—by building false trust and fabricating financial crises to extract money. To protect yourself, be cautious of rapid relationship escalation, especially if a new partner pressures you for money or loans, and verify any investment opportunities or personal emergencies through independent sources before committing financially.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2026-02-03
China executed 11 leaders of a Myanmar-based telecommunications fraud network that generated $2.07 billion through "pig-butchering" scams (fake romance and investment schemes) and illegal gambling operations, while also committing murders, assaults, and illegal detention of workers. The criminal enterprise victimized people across borders with industrial-scale phone and online fraud schemes from 2015 until its dismantling. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, especially from people you've never met in person, and never send money to unknown parties regardless of their promised returns.
caixinglobal.com
· 2026-02-03
Hong Kong police dismantled a sophisticated fraud ring that used fake stories about suicidal internet lovers and inheritances to trick victims, stealing over $6 million from 314 people over 16 months in a variation of "pig-butchering" scams. This type of fraud involves criminals building relationships with victims online over extended periods before eventually stealing their money. People should be cautious of online relationships that eventually involve requests for money or investment opportunities, verify the identities of new online contacts, and report suspicious behavior to authorities.
protos.com
· 2026-02-03
China has executed four members of the Bai family crime syndicate, which operated 41 "pig butchering" scam compounds across Southeast Asia—sophisticated romance and investment fraud schemes that generated over $4 billion and resulted in the deaths of six Chinese citizens. The executed individuals were convicted of multiple crimes including homicide, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and operating illegal casinos, with authorities targeting these criminal networks that had taken control of border regions in Myanmar. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic contacts from strangers online who eventually ask for money for investments or emergencies, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activities to local authorities.
cambodgemag.com
· 2026-02-03
# Cambodia's Scam Centers: Mass Arrests and Persistent Networks
Cambodia's underground fraud operations have resulted in massive arrests, with authorities detaining over 2,000 suspects in a single January 2026 raid on the A7 casino complex in Svay Rieng, along with more than 5,000 arrests throughout 2025—targeting international criminal networks running sophisticated scams like romance fraud ("pig-butchering"), deepfakes, and sextortion. Despite these efforts and the closure of 92 sites, the criminal networks have shown remarkable resilience and ability to quickly relocate, suggesting possible corruption within enforcement agencies and the highly organized nature of these syndicates. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected romantic advances online, job offers that seem too good to be true, and requests for personal information or money from unknown contacts—and verify identities through independent channels before engaging financially or emotionally.
police.gov.sg
· 2026-02-02
Police have arrested 24 people aged 16-51 for acting as money mules in various scams—including impersonation, job, e-commerce, investment, romance, and sexual services frauds—that caused over $3.1 million in losses to victims. The suspects allegedly facilitated scams by selling their bank accounts, transferring stolen funds, registering fraudulent SIM cards, and disclosing personal credentials to criminal syndicates. To protect yourself, never share banking passwords, never allow others to use your bank account or identity, and be cautious about unsolicited job offers or romantic advances online.
techpolicy.press
· 2026-02-02
"Pig-butchering" scams—where criminals gradually extract money from victims before abandoning them—are surging in the US, with Americans losing an estimated $10 billion in 2024 alone (a 66% increase from 2023), prompting Congress to introduce multiple bills including the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to combat these transnational operations. The scams, primarily run by Southeast Asian syndicates that have diversified away from Chinese targets following local crackdowns, are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI tools, while critics argue the proposed legislation doesn't adequately address tech platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges that enable the fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
bitdefender.com
· 2026-02-02
Seniors are now spending more time online than young adults, yet families rarely monitor their activities the way they do with children, leaving older adults vulnerable to scams and fraud that often go undetected until problems emerge like missed bills or suspicious contacts. Adults over 65 spend more than three hours daily on devices and own an average of seven connected devices, using them for everything from social media and shopping to banking and video calls. Families should actively check in on elderly relatives' online behavior and device usage to protect them from the risks that come with increased internet connectivity.
khon2.com
· 2026-02-02
Employment scams, where fraudsters pose as legitimate employers to steal money or personal information from job seekers, have nearly tripled since 2020, with reported losses exceeding $500 million by 2024. With 36% of U.S. workers relying on gig work, job seekers are increasingly vulnerable to these schemes that often promise unrealistic wages and work-from-home positions. To protect yourself, avoid any job offers demanding upfront payments or requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank details before employment begins, and verify job offers directly through official company websites or phone numbers.
financialit.net
· 2026-02-02
Romance scams cost UK victims £20.5 million in just six months of 2025, with losses jumping 37% year-over-year as fraudsters increasingly exploit emotional connections to extract money. Victims—particularly those over 55, especially ages 65-74—typically lose an average of £7,500 after sending 11 payments over about three months, as scammers build fake relationships using fabricated stories (claiming to work abroad, in the military, or as celebrities) before gradually requesting money for supposed emergencies or travel. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly turn romantic without meeting in person, never send money to someone you haven't met face-to-face, and report suspicious behavior to your bank immediately.
fstech.co.uk
· 2026-02-02
Romance scams cost UK victims significantly more in 2025, with money sent to scammers jumping 37% compared to 2024, and victims losing an average of £7,500 across multiple payments before realizing they've been deceived. Fraudsters typically pose as people living abroad, celebrities, or soldiers on dating apps and social media platforms like Facebook, building trust over months before requesting money and continuing to ask for more with false promises. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly develop romantic interest, remain skeptical of requests for money or excuses about financial difficulties, and verify identities before sending any funds.
ffnews.com
· 2026-02-02
# Romance Scams Surge 37% as Victims Lose Thousands
Money sent to romance scammers jumped 37 percent in a year, with victims losing an average of £7,500 across 11 separate payments over three months, according to a new TSB report. Romance scams are particularly devastating because fraudsters spend months building trust with victims before requesting money, then continually create new reasons to ask for additional payments. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly progress to requests for money, verify identities through video calls before any financial involvement, and consult your bank if you're asked to make multiple payments to the same person.
consumer.vic.gov.au
· 2026-02-02
Romance scam losses in Australia surged in 2025, with reported losses already exceeding the previous year's total by September, affecting people across all demographics but hitting seniors (65+) and women particularly hard financially. Scammers typically build trust over weeks or months through online dating platforms before requesting money or pushing victims into cryptocurrency investments, relying on emotional investment to lower people's guard. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your bank immediately, report it to ScamWatch and the platform where it occurred, and be cautious of "recovery scams" where fraudsters pose as helpers offering to retrieve your money.
denver7.com
· 2026-02-02
In 2024, Colorado experienced a surge in AI-enabled romance scams, with 409 reported victims losing over $15.8 million to fraudsters who use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities, realistic video calls, and legitimate-looking investment websites. Scammers typically target vulnerable individuals through dating apps, build emotional connections, and convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency schemes, with most victims unable to recover their losses. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating app matches who quickly push financial discussions or investment opportunities, verify any investment advice independently with established financial institutions, and report suspicious activity immediately to your bank or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
chipchick.com
· 2026-02-02
A TikToker discovered her mother, married for 53 years, had fallen victim to an internet romance scam and sent $17,000 to a scammer posing as a man named John who fabricated emergencies like a nuclear plant explosion and flight problems to justify requests for money. The scammer isolated the mother from her family, and the situation became so dire that the daughter advised her father to consider divorce to protect their shared assets before the mother drained them completely. The story highlights how scammers specifically target elderly and vulnerable people through manipulation and secrecy, with the daughter urging early intervention, compassion, and education as critical tools to combat these schemes, while warning others to speak up rather than stay silent about suspected fraud.
igamingbusiness.com
· 2026-02-02
# China Executes 11 Members of Myanmar Criminal Syndicate in Major Scam Crackdown
China executed 11 members of the Ming family crime organization, which operated massive telecom and romance scams from Myanmar that generated over $1.4 billion between 2015 and 2023. The criminal compounds relied on forced labor and human trafficking to run "pig-butchering" scams targeting victims online, with workers lured by fake job ads and subjected to abuse, torture, and even murder if they failed to meet quotas. For protection against such scams, people should be wary of unsolicited job offers with unusually high pay, romantic advances from online strangers pushing investment opportunities, and any request to transfer money or provide personal financial information to unknown parties.
timesandstar.co.uk
· 2026-02-02
Over £630,000 was lost to romance fraud in Cumbria between October 2024 and October 2025, with 74 reported cases primarily affecting people aged 50-79 who were targeted through online dating sites and social media by criminals posing as potential romantic partners. Scammers build emotional trust before exploiting victims financially, and authorities urge people to never send money to online contacts regardless of their circumstances, trust their instincts if something feels wrong, and report suspected scams to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-02-01
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scammers create fake online relationships through dating apps and social media, building emotional trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities. Seniors and other vulnerable individuals are particularly at risk when they encounter people who declare love quickly, avoid video calls, or ask for financial help. To protect yourself, verify identities before sending money, never gift funds to someone you haven't met in person, and consult trusted friends or family if something feels suspicious—if you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
nypost.com
· 2026-02-01
A man reconnected with his high school sweetheart on Facebook and has watched her fall victim to a classic romance scam involving a man claiming to be an offshore oil worker whom she's never met in person. When he tried to warn her, she cut off contact with him, insisting the relationship is real and they plan to marry. Dear Abby explains that romance scams typically follow a predictable pattern where the scammer eventually asks for money before disappearing, and advises him to expect the woman may reach out once she realizes she's been conned, so he should remain compassionate and available to help her then.
bostonherald.com
· 2026-02-01
Romance scams targeting lonely individuals are becoming increasingly common, with scammers typically posing as offshore workers or military personnel who can never meet in person and eventually request money for emergencies. In this case, a man reconnected with his high school sweetheart and recognized the warning signs when she claimed to be in a relationship with an "oil rig worker" she'd never met, but she rejected his warnings and cut off contact. Experts advise being alert to classic romance scam red flags—unmet lovers with convenient excuses, sob stories about sick children, and sudden requests for money—and recognize that victims often only acknowledge the deception after losing significant amounts of money.
yourvalley.net
· 2026-02-01
Romance scams on social media and dating apps are costing victims significant sums of money by creating fake profiles of military personnel, doctors, or other professionals who build trust before requesting funds for emergencies or financial opportunities. Recent cases in Arizona show victims losing between $55,000 and $151,000 after being convinced to send money for logistics, medical emergencies, or other fabricated needs. To protect yourself, avoid sending money to anyone who won't video chat or meet in person, be especially cautious if they claim to be overseas or unable to verify their identity, and report any suspected scams to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.
mychesco.com
· 2026-02-01
# Pennsylvania's Anti-Fraud Initiative
Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities is hosting free educational events throughout February to help residents, particularly older adults, recognize and avoid scams including romance fraud and identity theft. The sessions will teach warning signs of common scams, risk-reduction strategies, and response procedures if targeted, using formats like "Fraud BINGO" games to engage participants. Residents who suspect they've been scammed are urged to report it by calling 1-866-PACOMPLAI for assistance.