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theconversation.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scammers are targeting thousands of people on dating apps, using AI-generated fake profiles and manufactured intimacy to trick victims into sending money or buying fake cryptocurrency. Australian police recently warned over 5,000 people they may have been victims of this scheme, which uses psychological manipulation—moving conversations off dating apps to private platforms, building false trust, then requesting money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of quick professions of love, verify identities through video calls, avoid moving conversations to private messaging apps, and never send money to online romantic interests you haven't met in person.
newschannel5.com
· 2026-02-10
# Fraud Alert Summary
A Reuters investigation found that Meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) earned billions of dollars from fraudulent ads, with some estimates suggesting up to 10% of the company's revenue came from scam advertisements, while the platform was allegedly aware of the problem but did little to stop it. Consumers reported losing money and having personal information stolen after clicking on ads promising easy money, rapid weight loss, or discounted products that either never arrived or looked nothing like their photos. To protect yourself, be skeptical of ads that sound too good to be true, avoid clicking suspicious links, never enter payment information for unverified products, and report fraudulent ads directly to the platform.
kgw.com
· 2026-02-10
A Hood River grandmother lost her $100,000 inheritance after scammers impersonated her financial planner via email and convinced her to send a cashier's check under the guise of a bitcoin investment opportunity. The con artists posed as her trusted advisor of 20 years and even requested additional funds for fees and travel, which prompted her to contact her real planner and discover the fraud. To protect yourself, verify any unusual financial requests by calling your advisor directly using a phone number you know is legitimate, and be especially wary of unsolicited investment suggestions involving cryptocurrency or bitcoin.
waff.com
· 2026-02-10
Romance scammers are targeting people with a "wrong number" text message trick that starts with messages like "Missed you at the gym today!" to initiate conversations that eventually lead to requests for money or fake investment opportunities. The scam, which is rising in popularity ahead of Valentine's Day, relies on building trust through text over time before exploiting victims through mobile payment apps where transactions can't be reversed. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unknown numbers, block suspicious contacts, and report potential scams to authorities.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-02-10
A major international cryptocurrency scam called "pig butchering" defrauded victims of over $73 million, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence for one of its operators, Daren Li, who fled before sentencing. In these scams, criminals build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before tricking them into fake investment schemes and stealing their cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from people you've met online, never send money to unknown individuals regardless of promised returns, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before participating.
financemagnates.com
· 2026-02-10
"Pig butchering" romance scams—where criminals pose as romantic interests to trick people into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes—cost Americans $10 billion in the past year, with individual victims losing an average of $150,000 each. The CFTC and over 20 federal and state agencies launched a coordinated "DatingOrDefrauding?" campaign around Valentine's Day to combat the fraud, which is perpetrated primarily by foreign criminals in Southeast Asia using AI-generated messages and encrypted apps to avoid detection. To protect yourself, authorities advise being cautious of romantic connections who encourage investment in cryptocurrency, verifying investment opportunities through U.S.-regulated intermediaries, and warning friends and family about this growing scam.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance Scam Alert: $10 Billion Threat
The CFTC has launched a coordinated national campaign against "pig butchering" romance scams, which bilked Americans of an estimated $10 billion in the past year—a 66% increase from the previous year. These scams, primarily operated by criminal networks in Southeast Asia, target dating app and social media users by building fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency or other schemes, with individual victims losing an average of $150,000 or more. To protect yourself and loved ones, the CFTC advises being suspicious of romantic interests who push investment opportunities, verifying contacts through trusted channels, and only using U.S.-regulated platforms for financial transactions and cryptocurrency storage.
kxan.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance and confidence scams are surging in Austin, with people over 50 losing approximately $19 million in 2025 alone, according to new FBI data—making the area a hotspot for fraudsters who specifically target older adults for their accumulated wealth and perceived lack of cybersecurity awareness. The scams typically involve elaborate trust-building schemes on dating sites and social media, where criminals pose as successful investors or romantic interests to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, the FBI advises remaining cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to financial matters, never sending money to people you've only met online, and verifying any investment opportunities through independent sources before committing funds.
newsweek.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning of a significant increase in romance scams as Valentine's Day approaches, with Virginia alone reporting over $20 million in losses from more than 200 complaints last year, and scammers increasingly using AI-generated photos and videos to create more convincing fake profiles. These scams typically begin on dating apps or social media, where criminals build emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies, travel, investments, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as quick declarations of love, refusal to video chat, claims of overseas work, pressure for secrecy, and urgent money requests—and report any suspicious activity to the FBI immediately.
kclu.org
· 2026-02-10
Romance scams cost U.S. victims an estimated $204 million last year, with incidents rising 20% in early 2025 primarily through dating apps and social media, exploiting people's loneliness and trust during peak romantic seasons. Scammers increasingly use AI tools and deepfakes to impersonate others convincingly, making it easier to target victims. To protect yourself, watch for warning signs like "love bombing" (excessive intensity and quick relationship progression) and be cautious about what you share online, as scammers research potential targets through social media posts.
kmbc.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance Scams Warning for Valentine's Day
Scammers are targeting people seeking love online by creating fake identities to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing financial information, with consumers losing over $1.1 billion to romance scams in 2025. Banks and the Federal Trade Commission are warning the public to watch for common red flags, including sob stories about needing money for medical emergencies or legal troubles, and to verify identities by reverse-image searching profile photos and never sharing personal details like your name or workplace. If you suspect you've been targeted, report it immediately and share these warning signs with friends and family who might be vulnerable to these scams.
theage.com.au
· 2026-02-10
A 23-year-old Australian man lost $23,000—his entire savings plus his brother's money—after falling victim to an elaborate fake job scam, highlighting a broader crisis where scam losses across Australia jumped 5% last year as criminals exploit emails, social media, and phone calls. While new "landmark" scam prevention laws are beginning to roll out from July 2024, they won't fully take effect until 2026 and leave significant gaps by not covering dating apps, cryptocurrency exchanges, and online marketplaces commonly used by scammers. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited job offers, verify employment opportunities directly with companies, never send money upfront, and report suspected scams to authorities immediately.
actionnews5.com
· 2026-02-10
Romance scams are rapidly growing online threats where fraudsters pose as romantic interests to extract money from victims, with Americans losing over $1 billion in 2023 alone and adults over 60 being hit hardest, losing an average of $83,000 each. Red flags include scammers who build trust slowly over months, isolate you from friends and family, live far away and never meet in person, or ask for money for emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, move slowly with new online relationships, keep accounts private, verify photos through reverse image searches, and consult trusted friends or family before sharing personal information or money.
dailymail.co.uk
· 2026-02-10
# Uber Cancellation Scam Alert
British tourists traveling in Romania and Portugal have reported a new Uber scam targeting holidaymakers, particularly day-trippers who rely on ride-sharing to catch flights home. In the scam, drivers claim the app fare is incorrect and demand higher cash payments from passengers, exploiting tourists' language barriers and time pressures. Travelers are advised to plan trips in advance, use public transportation when possible, and be skeptical of drivers who suddenly claim pricing errors after picking up passengers.
local3news.com
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scams on the Rise Before Valentine's Day
Romance scammers cost victims approximately $1.3 billion in 2023 by building fake romantic relationships over weeks or months before requesting money, with scammers typically initiating contact through dating apps or social media and gradually escalating requests for funds under various pretexts like airline tickets. Unlike quick card theft that victims detect immediately, romance scams go undetected for extended periods because the emotional investment and trust built by the scammer makes victims reluctant to acknowledge they've been deceived. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who request money, verify identities through video calls before meeting, and never send funds to people you haven't met in person—especially around Valentine's Day when scammers are most active.
wishtv.com
· 2026-02-09
A Reuters investigation found that Meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) has been profiting from fraudulent advertisements, with scammers targeting increasingly younger users through ads promising easy money, rapid weight loss, and other too-good-to-be-true deals. Victims have reported losing money and personal information after purchasing non-existent or misrepresented products advertised on these platforms, with Reuters estimating that up to 10% of Meta's revenue comes from scam ads. To protect yourself, Consumer Reports recommends being skeptical of suspiciously good deals and reporting suspicious ads immediately using the three-dot menu on Facebook and Instagram.
ketv.com
· 2026-02-09
During tax season, scammers are impersonating IRS agents through email, text, phone calls, and social media to trick people into believing they owe back taxes or face urgent legal consequences. These "professional criminals" target anyone by creating a false sense of urgency, but legitimate government agencies never contact people unsolicited to demand payment. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS will not reach out to you first about owing taxes—always verify any tax-related communication independently by contacting the IRS directly through official channels.
kait8.com
· 2026-02-09
Arkansas residents are losing millions to financial fraud through phone calls and text messages, with Americans losing over $16 billion in 2024 according to the FBI, though actual losses are believed to be much higher since many victims don't report crimes. Common scams include lottery and tax schemes that trick victims into sending money upfront, with affected individuals losing an average of $80,000 or more. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages claiming you've won money or owe taxes, and report suspected scams to authorities and your bank immediately—Arkansas passed Act 1015 in 2021 to help financial institutions identify and stop fraudulent transactions targeting vulnerable residents.
northlibertyiowa.org
· 2026-02-09
The City of North Liberty is offering a free educational session on Monday, February 9 at Coralville Public Library where seniors and their families can learn to recognize warning signs of elder abuse, scams, and fraud, along with local resources for help. The article also lists several other social and recreational activities scheduled for seniors that week, including science experiments, movie nights, and chair yoga classes. Older adults concerned about protecting themselves should attend the fraud prevention workshop to learn actionable steps they can take.
valleynewslive.com
· 2026-02-09
A Minnesota woman named Julie Verdugt fell victim to a romance scam on Facebook dating after meeting someone posing as "Bratt Erick Smith," who quickly began requesting money under the guise of needing loans. Scammers often use fake profiles with stolen photos, refuse video calls, and create urgency and secrecy around money requests to manipulate victims. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like requests to keep relationships secret, pressure to act quickly, refusals to video chat, and verify profiles through reverse image searches before sharing personal information or money.
region.com.au
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scams Cost Australians Millions as Valentine's Day Approaches
Australians lost over $28.6 million to romance scams last year—a 21.8 percent increase—with scammers primarily targeting people through dating apps, social media, and online forums. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns that these criminals use carefully planned tactics to build emotional trust before requesting money or personal information, making romance scams one of the most financially and psychologically damaging crimes in the country. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing money or personal details with online contacts, especially those you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to Scamwatch while discussing these scams with friends and family.
miragenews.com
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day
Criminals are increasingly using AI to create fake profiles on dating apps, generating realistic photos, deepfake videos, and even mimicking voices to deceive potential romantic partners into sending money—with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Banks warn that AI has made it extremely difficult to spot these scams, as scammers exploit emotions and loneliness with highly sophisticated tools. To protect yourself, trust your instincts if a potential match seems too perfect or something feels off, verify identities before meeting, and never send money to people you haven't met in person.
says.com
· 2026-02-09
Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to create convincing fraud messages, clone voices, and generate deepfake videos that are much harder to detect than traditional scams, affecting people across Malaysia and beyond. Recent victims include a woman who lost RM5,000 to fake boss emails and a 63-year-old man who transferred RM49,800 after receiving a call from an AI-cloned voice of a friend. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the sender through a known phone number or in person, be skeptical of perfect messages from institutions you work with, and remember that legitimate banks and employers won't request money via gift vouchers or wire transfers.
pennwatch.org
· 2026-02-09
# Romance Scam Summary
A woman named Kate Kleinert lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam, where scammers pose as potential romantic partners online to steal money from victims. The podcast "The High Price of Love: Uncovering Romance Scams" features Kate's story and expert advice from AARP Pennsylvania to help people recognize and avoid these schemes. If you're dating online, be cautious of new suitors asking for money, verify their identities before developing emotional connections, and report any suspicious activity to AARP's Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
english.mathrubhumi.com
· 2026-02-09
Fake psychiatric hospitals in China have been fraudulently admitting vulnerable elderly and alcoholic patients under false pretenses to claim insurance reimbursements from the government, with some patients trapped in facilities offering poor conditions and abuse. The scam exploits gaps in China's elderly care system, particularly affecting rural seniors with minimal pensions whose families have migrated for work, leaving them isolated and susceptible to being lured by offers of free food and shelter. To protect themselves, vulnerable elderly people and their families should verify hospital legitimacy through official government channels, understand what insurance actually covers, and maintain regular contact with elderly relatives, especially those in rural areas.
townhall.com
· 2026-02-08
A Nigerian man was sentenced to over 8 years in prison for leading an international inheritance fraud scheme that targeted over 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans, stealing more than $6 million by falsely claiming they had inherited money and requesting upfront fees. The scammers sent hundreds of thousands of personalized letters impersonating Spanish bank representatives, convincing victims to send money for supposed delivery fees and taxes before receiving their "inheritance." To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims, never send money upfront for inheritances you didn't expect, and verify any financial claims directly with banks or lawyers using contact information you find independently—not information provided in the message.
english.mathrubhumi.com
· 2026-02-08
Fake psychiatric hospitals in China have been linked to insurance fraud schemes targeting vulnerable elderly people and alcoholics, who are lured with free shelter and food while hospitals fraudulently bill government insurance programs for inflated treatment costs. The scam exploits China's aging population crisis and weak rural pension systems, with patients often subjected to poor conditions, abuse, and difficulty leaving facilities. To protect themselves, people should be cautious about unsolicited offers of free medical treatment, verify hospital credentials through official channels, and report suspicious insurance claims to authorities.
cbs8.com
· 2026-02-08
Romance scams are surging ahead of Valentine's Day, with scammers using fake online dating profiles and increasingly sophisticated AI technology to build false emotional connections before asking victims for money or personal information. In 2025, over 250 San Diego residents lost more than $9.6 million to these scams, which can target anyone regardless of education or profession. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like requests for money (especially for travel or emergencies), repeated cancellations to meet in person, or offers of investment opportunities, and always discuss suspicious relationships with trusted friends or family before sending money or sharing personal details.
10news.com
· 2026-02-08
Romance scammers use fake online identities to build trust with victims and then exploit them for money, personal information, or valuables, with the FBI warning San Diegans about this growing threat especially around Valentine's Day. In 2025 alone, over 250 San Diego residents lost more than $9.6 million to these scams, while nationwide losses exceeded $672 million in 2024, with criminals now using AI-generated content to make their fake profiles more convincing. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly become romantic, watch for requests for money or personal information, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
timesfreepress.com
· 2026-02-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are posing as romantic partners on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims into transferring money or laundering stolen funds, with potential victims facing both financial losses and serious legal consequences. These fraudsters build fake relationships that seem genuine, then create urgent scenarios—such as medical emergencies or investment opportunities—to pressure victims into sending money or helping move funds. To protect yourself, stay cautious on dating apps, be skeptical of requests for money from new connections, and avoid transferring funds or moving money on behalf of someone you've only met online.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-02-08
A Romanian businesswoman was defrauded of $2.5 million by scammers posing as Dubai's Crown Prince and his financial manager in a sophisticated two-year romance scam involving a fake banking website and repeated "fee" demands. Investigators traced the operation to a Nigerian mansion and identified the perpetrator as Nzube Henry Ike, whose scheme eventually unraveled when his accomplices fell out over dividing the stolen money and exposed him. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send money for "fees" to access funds you haven't verified through official channels, and use reverse image searches to verify the identity of people you meet online.
wxyz.com
· 2026-02-08
Scammers are posing as tow truck companies online and demanding $300-$600 upfront from stranded drivers, then never arriving to help—leaving victims without their money or transportation. According to a local towing company owner, these fraudsters are found through Google searches with fake addresses and exploit drivers' stress during emergencies. To protect yourself, avoid any towing company that demands large upfront payments (legitimate fees are typically $50-$75), verify the company's physical address and phone number independently, and use trusted roadside assistance programs like AAA instead of searching online during an emergency.
kmbc.com
· 2026-02-08
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
An older man in Liberty, Missouri nearly lost money to scammers who convinced him they were Microsoft support and directed him to send cash through a cryptocurrency ATM to fix a computer virus. A vigilant store clerk noticed the confused customer and intervened, stopping the transaction and alerting police. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support calls, never search for support numbers online (use official company websites instead), and avoid using cryptocurrency ATMs for urgent money transfers, as they are irreversible and frequently targeted by scammers.
theguardian.com
· 2026-02-08
# Scam Summary
Criminals are sending fake text messages impersonating mobile providers like EE and Vodafone, claiming recipients have earned thousands of reward points that will soon expire. When users click the link and "claim" prizes like massage chairs or vacuums, they're directed to fraudulent websites designed to steal their banking information by requesting payment for postage. To protect yourself, verify any rewards offers directly through your provider's official app or website rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts, and never enter banking details on unfamiliar sites—legitimate companies don't require payment to redeem earned rewards.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-08
A 90-year-old Southern California man lost his entire $814,000 life savings when someone forged his signature on checks and drained his account over several months, but Wells Fargo denied his fraud claim because he didn't report it within the bank's 60-day window—a difficult deadline for someone dealing with dementia, hearing loss, and limited mobility. The bank's investigation offered little help, and despite clear evidence that the forged signatures bore no resemblance to his actual signature, the institution refused to reimburse him. Customers should regularly monitor their accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately, and those with cognitive or health challenges should consider having trusted family members help manage their finances and watch for unauthorized transactions.
ianslive.in
· 2026-02-08
Fraudulent psychiatric hospitals in China have been admitting vulnerable patients, particularly elderly and alcoholic individuals, under false pretenses to steal government medical insurance funds by billing for minimal treatments at inflated rates. The scam exposed dozens of hospitals in multiple cities that kept patients in poor conditions with abuse and forced labor, sometimes trapping them for years, while exploiting government reimbursement programs. This scheme reveals China's struggle with its aging population and inadequate elder care system, especially in rural areas where elderly people are isolated and living on minimal pensions—making them easy targets for exploitation.
khaborwala.com
· 2026-02-08
A recent investigation in China has exposed widespread fraud at private psychiatric hospitals in central cities like Xiangyang and Yichang, where operators admitted vulnerable elderly patients and people with addiction issues under false pretenses to fraudulently claim government medical insurance reimbursements while providing little actual care. These facilities, which functioned more as unregulated shelters than hospitals, subjected patients to poor conditions, abuse, and forced unpaid labor, revealing serious gaps in China's elder care system and healthcare oversight during a time of rapid population aging. To protect themselves, people should be cautious about hospital admissions that seem unusually inexpensive, verify that facilities are properly licensed and regulated, and report suspected fraud to local health authorities or insurance regulators.
salisburypost.com
· 2026-02-08
Rowan Public Library is hosting a free educational program on February 12th at 2 p.m. to help community members protect themselves from consumer fraud and identity theft, with a SECU representative sharing information about common scams, warning signs, and recovery steps. Financial scams and identity theft are rising nationwide, affecting consumers of all ages through phishing emails, fake calls, data breaches, and online shopping scams. The library recommends staying informed about evolving fraud tactics as one of the best defense strategies, and offers additional resources like books, databases, and staff assistance to help patrons understand consumer protection and financial literacy.
ohiohouse.gov
· 2026-02-07
Ohio state representatives have introduced the ELDER Act to combat growing cryptocurrency ATM scams that disproportionately target elderly and vulnerable residents who lose tens of thousands of dollars to fraudsters in minutes. The legislation would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters and subject to financial oversight, along with implementing disclosure requirements and anti-fraud safeguards similar to those for traditional financial services. To protect yourself, be cautious of cryptocurrency transactions in public kiosks, verify the legitimacy of operators, and consult trusted financial advisors before moving significant sums into digital currencies.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-07
A woman named Abigail was defrauded of over $81,000 and her paid-off home by scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton to build a fake romantic relationship with her on Facebook and WhatsApp. The scam escalated over time as the perpetrators manipulated her into transferring money and eventually taking out loans against her home before her daughter discovered the fraud. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic contact from celebrities, avoid moving conversations to encrypted messaging apps with people you've just met online, and verify identities through official channels before sharing personal or financial information.
oag.maryland.gov
· 2026-02-07
As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Maryland's Attorney General is warning consumers about scams targeting sports fans, including illegal betting sites that steal money or personal data, fake prize emails, counterfeit merchandise, and malware-infected streaming links. To protect yourself, only use Maryland's 12 licensed online sportsbooks and 14 regulated fantasy competition operators, buy official merchandise from legitimate retailers, and stream only through authorized services. If you suspect fraud, contact the Maryland Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662.
wilx.com
· 2026-02-07
Spam texts and robocalls are increasingly common, and while marking messages as spam does help your carrier identify patterns and block numbers when enough people report the same scam, there's a more effective method: forward suspicious messages to 7726 (which spells "SPAM") so carriers can analyze and block them faster across their entire network. Most importantly, never reply to spam texts—even with "STOP"—as this confirms your number is active and encourages scammers to target you more. By reporting scams properly rather than just ignoring them, you help protect yourself and other users from fraud.
ktvz.com
· 2026-02-07
# Scammers are sending fake text messages impersonating Oregon's Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DMV, claiming recipients owe unpaid traffic fines or tolls and demanding immediate payment through fraudulent links. The messages use urgent language and phony official codes to appear legitimate, but ODOT and the DMV never request payment via unsolicited texts, emails, or calls. To protect yourself, delete these messages without clicking any links, block the sender, and verify any claims by calling ODOT directly at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or DMV at 1-855-540-6655.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
# Romance Scam Warning for Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning the public about increased romance scams around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before requesting money for fake emergencies through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Anyone using online dating should protect themselves by being cautious about sharing personal information, using reputable dating sites, verifying profiles through reverse image searches, taking relationships slowly, and immediately reporting suspicious requests for money or attempts to isolate them offline. If you suspect you're being scammed, stop all communication and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
blogs.chapman.edu
· 2026-02-07
Romance scams are on the rise, particularly around Valentine's Day, with cybercriminals using fake emotional connections on dating apps and social media to manipulate people into sending money or sharing personal information. Anyone can become a victim regardless of age or background, as scammers increasingly use AI-generated content and personalized messages to appear more convincing. If you suspect a romance scam, stop all communication immediately, don't send money, and report it to your institution's security team or local law enforcement.
montclair.edu
· 2026-02-07
Romance scams are increasingly targeting college students and staff, with scammers using dating apps and social media to build fake emotional connections before requesting money through emergencies, travel complications, or other fabricated scenarios. Victims can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars to these schemes, which typically involve fast-moving emotional manipulation, refusal to meet in person, and pressure to move conversations off-platform. To protect yourself, take relationships slowly, verify identities through reverse image searches and video calls, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and report any suspicious activity to your bank and the platform immediately.
kpbs.org
· 2026-02-07
The FBI is warning San Diego residents about romance scams, where criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims before exploiting them for money, personal information, or other valuables. In 2025 alone, over 250 San Diego-area victims lost $9.6 million to these scams, and scammers are increasingly using AI-generated images and videos to appear more convincing. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly become romantic or involve requests for money, and verify the person's identity before sharing personal or financial information.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings after a romance scammer posing as a Naval officer on Facebook convinced her to send over $70,000 in payments, claiming he needed help with customs fees for packages containing gold and jewelry. The scam devastated her retirement, forcing her to sell her home and move into an apartment, and she only discovered the fraud when her financial advisor became suspicious during a loan application. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic messages from strangers online, never send money to people you haven't met in person—especially for customs fees or emergencies—and consult trusted advisors like family members or financial professionals before making large financial decisions.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2026-02-07
The FBI is warning San Diego residents about romance scams, where criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims before exploiting them for money, personal information, or valuables. In 2025, over 250 San Diego victims have already lost more than $9.6 million to these schemes, and scammers are increasingly using AI-generated content to appear more convincing. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, watch for requests for money or personal information, and verify identities before sharing sensitive details or meeting in person.
fintech.global
· 2026-02-07
Romance scams have surged significantly, with money lost rising 37% and cases up 15%, costing UK victims an average of £7,500 each across 11 payments per scam. Fraudsters typically pose as overseas contacts, celebrities, military personnel, or oil rig workers and build trust over months before requesting money for fake emergencies, travel, or medical fees. Older adults over 55 are disproportionately targeted (58% of cases), so people should be cautious of new online relationships involving financial requests and verify identities through independent channels before sending money.