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in Romance Scam
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning about a rise in online romance scams, increasingly enhanced by AI technology, which cost victims over $1 billion in 2023. Scammers typically initiate contact via social media or dating apps, build relationships over months, then request money for emergencies or investments ("pig butchering scams"), using AI-generated images, voices, and messages to appear authentic and evade video calls or in-person meetings. Red flags include requests to move conversations off the original platform and consistent excuses to avoid video verification, with victims urged to report scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies three major Valentine's Day scams to watch: impostor websites that mimic legitimate retailers using fake photos and logos, romance scams where fraudsters build fake dating profiles to extract money after establishing emotional connections, and wrong-number ploys where scammers initiate contact to gather personal information. The article advises consumers to recognize red flags such as unrealistic discounts, requests for cryptocurrency payments, rapid relationship progression, and pressure for secrecy, and recommends reporting suspected fraud to the FTC, FBI, local law enforcement, or the Arizona Attorney General's office.
myfox28columbus.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams resulted in $823 million in losses nationally in 2024, with the FBI recording over 17,800 complaints in 2023 alone; Ohio authorities have investigated eight cases since early 2023. Scammers create fake dating profiles to build trust with victims over weeks or months before introducing fraudulent investment schemes, often targeting older individuals and draining their savings. The Ohio Department of Commerce advises protection measures including avoiding offshore money transfers, verifying identities through reverse image searches, meeting in person when possible, and consulting only licensed investment professionals to confirm credentials.
advisorhub.com
· 2025-12-08
Marjorie Kessler, a senior investor in Tampa, Florida, lost nearly $1.75 million to scammers impersonating government officials who convinced her to withdraw funds for safekeeping in a U.S. Treasury account. Morgan Stanley was ordered to pay $843,000 in compensatory damages for failing to investigate her unusual withdrawal requests and neglecting to establish a trusted contact on her account as required by regulations, though the arbitration panel deducted the first transfer amount due to insufficient evidence of negligence.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, cybercriminals exploited Valentine's Day through romance scams, phishing campaigns, and fraudulent e-commerce offers, with romance scams alone affecting 58,734 Americans and resulting in approximately $697 million in losses. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake profiles, deepfake videos, and chatbots that bypass traditional detection methods, while Valentine-themed phishing emails surged dramatically, with half of all such spam classified as scams between mid-January and early February. Red flags include requests to move conversations to private channels, quick declarations of love, excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and requests for money or personal information.
9news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An Australian woman's mother fell victim to a romance scam in 2022-2023 when she developed an online relationship with a man using stolen photos and a fabricated identity, eventually sending him money despite never admitting the full extent of financial loss. The incident prompted her daughter Kylee to found Two Face Investigations to investigate romance scams, revealing that the industry is highly sophisticated, transnational organized crime involving AI-generated deepfakes, stolen identities, and networks of scammers sharing tactics and manuals. Kylee emphasizes that victims often delay reporting due to shame and embarrassment, which hinders law enforcement efforts, and that dating apps lack the fraud protections that banks and telecommunications
wilmingtonbiz.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common financial scams targeting seniors and the general public, including phishing, investment fraud, imposter scams (grandparent and IRS varieties), computer scams, romance scams, lottery schemes, charity fraud, and fake debt relief services. The article provides red flags and warning signs for each scam type, such as urgent requests, unsolicited offers, promises of guaranteed returns, and requests for upfront payments. Key protective measures include awareness of common scam tactics, verification of organizations before sharing information, and skepticism toward unsolicited offers or high-pressure requests.
cronkitenews.azpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
Arizona experienced over $47 million in losses from online romance scams during 2022-2023, ranking fifth nationally, with elderly residents particularly targeted by scammers who build false relationships to extract money. Common tactics include professing instant love, moving conversations off dating platforms to private channels, refusing to share photos, and requesting money—sometimes stringing victims along for extended periods. Authorities warn that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create convincing false identities, and many victims remain unreported due to embarrassment.
rnz.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams increase around Valentine's Day, targeting vulnerable individuals across all demographics who may be emotionally invested in fake relationships created by sophisticated scammers using fabricated social media profiles and forged documents. Common warning signs include rapid declarations of love, refusal to meet in person or video call, requests for secrecy, and requests for money or to receive funds on their behalf. The best defenses are to avoid keeping relationships secret, verify identities through reverse image searches, consult trusted friends and family who can spot red flags, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's "Operation Level Up" notified over 4,300 individuals of cryptocurrency investment fraud between January 2024 and January 2025, preventing approximately $285 million in losses through interventions in romance scams and "pig butchering" schemes. The operation highlights a growing threat, as Americans lost over $5 billion to crypto fraud in 2023, with elderly individuals particularly targeted, and experts warn that scams could surge in 2025 due to advances in artificial intelligence.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion in 2023, with organized networks of overseas scammers targeting vulnerable people on dating apps and social media. A central Florida woman lost her entire life savings of over $600,000 to a scammer impersonating Elon Musk using AI voice technology, transferring large sums through wire transfers and ATM withdrawals to purchase gift cards. Red flags include relationships that move quickly, no in-person meetings, claims of celebrity or military status, and requests for money or investment participation; victims should report incidents to the FBI's IC3 website and the FTC.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly adults aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics tailored to exploit seniors' wealth and vulnerabilities. The most common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, with scammers often using social media and high-pressure tactics to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money. Prevention strategies include staying connected with elderly loved ones, remaining skeptical of online connections, and being aware
democratandchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
New York residents lost over $25 million to romance scams in 2024, with scammers targeting singles—particularly older adults who are widows, widowers, or divorcees—by creating fake profiles and building trust over weeks or months before requesting money for investments, emergencies, or travel. The New York Department of State advises individuals to avoid sending money to people they haven't met in person, never share personal or banking information with online contacts, and be wary of those who make excuses to avoid meeting or request cryptocurrency investments.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, which target tens of thousands of Arizonans through dating apps, dating sites, and social media platforms. Scammers create fake profiles to build trust with victims before requesting money through lies about emergencies, sick relatives, military service, or investment opportunities. The advisory provides warning signs—such as quick declarations of love, requests for wire transfers or gift cards, and broken plans to meet in person—and recommends victims avoid sending money to strangers, verify stories with loved ones, and file complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center or Arizona Attorney General's office if victimized.
cbs7.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities to build trust with victims online before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The agencies advise people to avoid sending money to online contacts they haven't met in person, watch for inconsistencies in profiles, be wary of relationships that escalate quickly, and report suspected scams immediately.
businesswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion has emerged as one of the most devastating romance scams, with fraudsters using fake profiles to manipulate victims into sharing intimate content before threatening exposure and demanding ransom payments. The FBI reported over 12,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in millions in financial losses, severe psychological trauma, and in some cases fatalities, with younger and newer online daters being particularly vulnerable. The article recommends that social media and dating platforms implement stronger identity verification measures, including biometric and government ID verification, to eliminate fake profiles and make it harder for scammers to operate across multiple platforms.
news.illinoisstate.edu
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to launch sophisticated phishing and romance scams targeting university students, faculty, and staff, particularly around Valentine's Day. AI-generated deepfake videos, voice cloning, and realistic fake profiles make these scams harder to detect than traditional fraud, as attackers can now personalize messages by mimicking authentic university communications and creating convincing long-term online relationships. Universities face significant challenges in defending against these evolving threats, with particular vulnerability among international students, new students, and those with access to financial systems or sensitive data.
fbi.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office warned the public about romance scams, in which criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims on dating sites and social media before requesting money under false pretenses. In 2023, approximately 18,000 victims nationwide reported nearly $700 million in losses to romance scams, with over 2,000 California victims alone losing more than $100 million, and scammers particularly targeting women over 40 who are widowed, divorced, elderly, or disabled. The FBI recommends verifying online contacts through photo searches, being cautious of quick declarations of love or requests to go offline, and never sending money to people met only online.
moodys.com
· 2025-12-08
Moody's identified 1,193 new entities and people globally with potential ties to romance scams in 2024, marking a six-year high and 14% increase from 2023. Romance scammers build fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money or financial information, with older adults and emotionally vulnerable individuals (such as those experiencing divorce or grief) being particularly targeted. Financial institutions must strengthen their anti-fraud screening processes using advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, robust anti-money laundering protocols, and cross-sector collaboration with regulators and law enforcement to detect and prevent these schemes.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency fraud reached record levels in 2024, with scam wallets receiving an estimated $9.9-$12.4 billion, driven largely by a 40% surge in "pig butchering" romance scams where criminals build fake relationships to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. Scammers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and organized platforms like Huione Guarantee (which received $375.9 million in crypto in 2024) while expanding geographically from Southeast Asian compounds to locations like Nigeria, often employing human trafficking victims to conduct the fraud. The report warns that the scam ecosystem is becoming more professionalized, with criminal groups creating specialize
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
The PACT Act expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, but scammers have exploited this by impersonating VA employees and offering to help veterans access benefits for illegal fees. The article provides seven protective strategies, including verifying company credentials, avoiding pressure tactics and unrealistic promises, being cautious of phishing attempts and unsecured websites, limiting social media sharing, and recognizing red flags in communications such as non-.gov email addresses and spelling errors.
apnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta Platforms is warning users about romance scams on Instagram and Facebook, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with military, medical, or business backgrounds to build trust before requesting money or cryptocurrency investments. The company recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and fake matchmaking agencies targeting people in Africa, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake profiles. Users are advised to verify strangers' identities through account creation dates and reverse image searches, and to be skeptical of any requests for money or gift cards.
socialmediatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta released Valentine's Day safety reminders about romance scams, which cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023. Romance scammers typically pose as attractive, successful individuals (often claiming military or business backgrounds) on dating apps and social media, building trust before requesting money or promoting fraudulent investments. Meta is expanding in-app warnings and partnering with third-party organizations to detect and disrupt romance scam operations, including those impersonating U.S. military members and fake dating agencies.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 250 foreign workers from 20 nationalities were freed from telecom fraud centres operating in Myanmar's Karen State by an ethnic armed group and transferred to Thailand, where they are being assessed for human trafficking. The workers had been lured or coerced into conducting online scams including "pig butchering" romance frauds, cryptocurrency schemes, and money laundering, with some reportedly tortured and held for ransom by their employers. Thailand and China have increased pressure on armed groups controlling the border region to shut down these operations by cutting power and fuel access and tightening banking and visa rules.
hellorayo.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Cheshire woman in her 60s lost over £50,000 to a romance scammer who posed as "Derek," a man she met in a Facebook widows' group in 2020 and never met in person. The scammer manipulated her with fake photos and fabricated stories about medical bills and business expenses, eventually convincing her to withdraw her entire pension and invest in cryptocurrency accounts. UK banking data from 2024 shows romance scams resulted in nearly £8 million in losses, with an average scam totaling £5,009, and victims ranging from 19 to 96 years old.
santander.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Santander bank data reveals that customers lost nearly £8 million to romance and friendship scams in 2024, with nearly half of cases originating on social media platforms like Facebook (£1.3+ million in losses). Victims ranged from ages 19 to 96, though the largest concentration was 19–35-year-olds with 77% being male, and February saw particularly high losses of £800,000 including one case of £262,000. The bank warns of common warning signs including requests for money from unmet contacts, avoidance of video calls, and pressure to keep relationships secret, and recommends verifying identities, removing emotion from financial decisions,
courant.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta Platforms warned users ahead of Valentine's Day about romance scams targeting people through Facebook, Instagram, and text messages, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with military, medical, or business backgrounds and use stolen or AI-generated photos to build trust before requesting money for emergencies or cryptocurrency investments. Meta recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and fake matchmaking agencies targeting vulnerable populations, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake celebrity accounts. Users are advised to verify stranger identities through reverse image searches, check account creation dates, and remain skeptical of any requests for money via gift cards or payment apps.
delcotimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta Platforms is warning users about romance scams that surge around Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with fake or AI-generated photos to build trust before requesting money for emergencies or cryptocurrency investments. The company recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and matchmaking agencies, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake profiles. Meta advises users to verify strangers' identities through profile details and reverse image searches, and to be skeptical of any money requests.
seattlemedium.com
· 2025-12-08
Chase and the Seattle Police Department partnered with Kin On Seattle Community Center to hold a senior financial health workshop aimed at protecting seniors from online fraud and scams, with particular attention to romance scams that increase around Valentine's Day. The workshop emphasized that seniors are highly targeted due to their vulnerability and financial resources, and outlined key prevention strategies including being cautious with strangers online, verifying identities, avoiding emotional manipulation, never sending money to people met only online, protecting personal information, and trusting instincts when something feels suspicious.
theweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers operating primarily from overseas (notably Nigeria and Ghana) use fake dating profiles with stolen photos to build false romantic relationships with Americans, then manipulate victims into sending money. The FBI and FTC report that romance scams caused over $1 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 64,000 victims, and scammers employ sophisticated tactics including impersonating celebrities and military members. To protect themselves, people should avoid sending money to online-only contacts, verify profile photos through reverse image searches, and be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and dating platforms.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sweetheart scammers build fake online relationships on dating and social media platforms to steal money or personal information from victims, often targeting lonely or grieving individuals. In North Carolina during 2024, sweetheart and friend-in-need scams resulted in 25 victims losing $1,833,047 (average $73,322 per victim), while cryptocurrency scams—often an evolution of romance scams—caused 25 victims to lose $3,334,408 (average $133,376 per victim). Attorney General Jeff Jackson advises verifying who you communicate with online and watching for warning signs such as requests to move conversations off dating apps, claims of being a U
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers exploit Valentine's Day by creating false identities on dating apps and social media to establish emotional connections with victims, then manipulate them into sending money or investing in fraudulent schemes. Red flags include rapid declarations of love, excuses to avoid video calls, requests for money due to emergencies, and overly perfect profile photos (often AI-generated or stolen). A 26-year-old Australian woman lost over $46,000 to a romance scammer in 2024 after connecting on Tinder, highlighting how emotional manipulation and "love bombing" can lead to both financial loss and deep psychological trauma.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers build relationships on dating apps and social media, then request money under false pretenses (travel costs, emergencies, investment opportunities) while avoiding in-person meetings. To protect yourself, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, verify their identity through reverse image searches, consult trusted friends or family, and report suspected scams to the FTC and the platform where contact occurred.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, which surge around Valentine's Day, involve scammers creating fake online personas on social media, dating apps, and text messages to manipulate victims into sending money or divulging personal information. Red flags include requests for urgent financial help and unwillingness to meet in person; protection strategies include avoiding unsolicited messages, limiting personal information shared online, and never sending money to people you haven't met in person. Victims should report scams to local authorities and their state attorney general's office.
fox17online.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ottawa County, Michigan man lost $23,000 to a tech support scam after a fraudulent Apple security alert appeared on his computer, instructing him to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin. The scammer used shame tactics, falsely claiming the victim had authorized suspicious transactions involving gambling and illegal content, then instructed him to lie to his bank teller about the purpose of the withdrawal. Ottawa County Detective Joe Monger reports handling approximately 40 fraud cases, noting that common scams include romance, grandparent, and tech support schemes, with AI technology making scams harder to detect.
fox10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's "Operation Level Up" initiative has identified over 4,300 victims of "pig butchering" cryptocurrency investment scams across all 50 states, with the majority of victims aged 30-60 who were lured through unsolicited messages and online ads with promises of high returns. Victims are shown fake accounts displaying investment growth, but their money is lost immediately upon investment, resulting in an estimated $5 billion in losses in 2024; however, the FBI's intervention efforts have prevented approximately $285 million in additional fraud losses. The FBI advises potential victims to remain skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches, verify communications claiming to be from the FBI, and report
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Dennis Jones, 82, lost his life savings and subsequently took his own life after being victimized by a "financial grooming" scam (also called "pig butchering"), in which a person posing as "Jessie" built an online relationship with him over months before pressuring him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Financial grooming scams—where criminals establish trust with victims before luring them into fake investments—caused losses rising from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, with individual victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars; the scams originate from criminal operations primarily in Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines, where
nwasianweekly.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial fraud aided by generative AI is rising sharply, with experts projecting losses could reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027, and deepfake incidents in the fintech sector increased 700% in 2023. Seniors, non-native English speakers, and Asian immigrants are particularly targeted by scammers who exploit loneliness and build relationships before striking. JP Morgan Chase and Seattle police shared prevention advice including verifying identities, being skeptical of sob stories and urgent payment requests, avoiding sending money to online contacts, and protecting personal information.
wfsb.com
· 2025-12-08
Connecticut State Police recovered $180,000 in cryptocurrency for a Willimantic resident who was defrauded through a "pig butchering" scam in July 2024, where a scammer impersonated an investment advisor and convinced the victim to transfer $225,000 to a fake platform called "XeggeX" before disappearing. The State Police Cryptocurrency Working Group intercepted approximately 1.77 Bitcoin from the fraudulent wallet and returned the funds on February 12, 2025, with the investigation highlighting that such scams are part of a larger transnational operation responsible for over $75 billion in global losses. Warning signs include unsolicited investment advice via text or social
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, and $384 million in the first nine months of 2024 alone. Scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, build emotional relationships with victims, and then request money or investment opportunities; one elderly widow lost an estimated $50,000-$60,000 to seven overlapping romance scams over seven years. To protect themselves, users should verify identities through video calls, be skeptical of requests for money or personal information, and report suspicious accounts to platforms.
news.clearancejobs.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 60,000 Americans fell victim to romance scams last year, though losses have slightly declined as people become more cautious; however, scammers are increasingly using AI-generated images and deepfakes to impersonate romantic interests and extract money through manipulation. These scams follow a pattern of building trust via dating apps or social media, creating excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and gradually requesting money in small increments—a technique called "pig butchering"—while exploiting victims' emotions rather than technical vulnerabilities. To protect themselves, people should pause before responding to urgent requests, verify identities through reverse image searches, and consult trusted friends or family before taking action.
montanarightnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims $1.14 billion in 2023, with an average loss of $2,000 per person, and scammers increasingly target middle-aged and older individuals, particularly those who are lonely or widowed. Montana authorities warn that these scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI technology enabling scammers to mimic voices and faces, and advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited online contact, research profiles thoroughly, and never send money to people met only online or by phone. Nearly 66,000 romance fraud cases were reported in 2023, with approximately 44,000 cases reported in 2024 so far.
newschannel9.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams manipulate victims through fake online profiles, intense flattery, and excuses to avoid in-person meetings, often leading to financial and emotional loss. Scammers use psychological tactics to gain trust and request money or sensitive information from victims. Zelle and other payment services are implementing technology solutions, consumer education, and public-private partnerships to combat these increasingly prevalent scams.
darkreading.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams ("pig butchering") resulted in losses that increased 40% in 2024, with the number of victims surging 210% year-over-year, according to ChainAnalysis. Fraudsters contact victims through dating apps, build relationships, and convince them to invest money or cryptocurrency in fake business ventures, with many operations run from Southeast Asian compounds using coerced workers. While the average loss per person declined 55%, romance scams now represent one-third of total cryptocurrency fraud revenue, prompting warnings for dating app users to avoid sending money or crypto to unknown contacts.
wsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
I'm unable to provide a meaningful summary of this article, as the provided text consists only of the header, publication date, location, and copyright information without the actual article content. To create an accurate summary following Elderus guidelines, please provide the full article text that describes how to spot romance scams.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
Martha lost $32,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man claiming to be a San Diego architect on a dating app who gradually built an intimate relationship with her over a year before requesting money for business emergencies abroad. According to the San Diego County District Attorney, romance scams stole over $1.3 million from local victims in 2023, with scammers using methodical tactics to isolate victims and gain access to their personal data and finances. Red flags include refusal to meet in person, requests for money, and attempts to isolate victims from family and friends.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Atlanta woman lost approximately $600,000 to a romance scam after developing an online relationship with someone impersonating Elon Musk, involving wire transfers exceeding $100,000, daily ATM withdrawals of $3,000, and maxed-out credit cards used for gift cards. Romance scammers typically target vulnerable older women through social media by posing as celebrities or soldiers, building trust before extracting money or soliciting investments. Red flags include fast-moving relationships, no in-person meetings, claims of celebrity status, and requests for money or investment opportunities, with victims advised to report scams immediately to the FBI, FTC, and social media platforms.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Lake County man lost $50,000 to a romance scam after meeting a woman named "Nasha" on Tinder who built his trust over months of messaging before convincing him to invest in gold trading. The scammer, who refused to meet in person and exploited the victim's emotional vulnerability following his wife's death, disappeared when he attempted to retrieve his returns. Gary is publicly warning others to research online dating matches, avoid sharing money or personal information with strangers, and move slowly in developing relationships.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A French woman lost $850,000 to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt using AI-generated images and videos in a year-long online romance scheme, with the fraudster claiming to need money for medical treatment. Multiple other women have been similarly victimized by fake celebrity dating scams involving impersonations of Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, and other stars, exploiting victims' vulnerability to flattery, loneliness, and difficulty detecting deepfakes and AI-generated content. Experts note that advances in AI technology, combined with victims' common traits of being trusting and susceptible to persuasion, make these scams increasingly effective and difficult to identify using
sentinelone.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals exploit Valentine's Day by launching romance baiting scams, phishing attacks, and fraudulent gift card promotions to manipulate victims through emotional appeals and false investment opportunities. Romance baiting schemes have caused significant financial damage, with investment fraud losses increasing from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, often resulting in severe psychological trauma for victims beyond monetary losses. The article advises individuals to recognize common scams such as fake dating profiles, malicious e-cards, and spoofed promotions, and emphasizes that awareness, education, and timely reporting are essential to prevent victimization and aid law enforcement.