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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
wired.com
· 2026-02-16
Google's new AI Overviews feature, which synthesizes web information into automated summaries, is being exploited by scammers who plant fake customer service numbers online that the AI then prominently displays to users. When people search for legitimate company contact information and call the fraudulent numbers from the AI results, they reach scammers impersonating those companies who attempt to steal payment information and sensitive data. To stay safe, users should verify phone numbers through official company websites or apps rather than relying on AI-generated answers, and report any suspicious numbers to both Google and the companies being impersonated.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-02-16
Scammers are targeting vulnerable immigrants in San Diego through texts, social media, and WhatsApp, posing as immigration attorneys and requesting sensitive information or upfront payments for legal services. The scams are particularly effective because people are anxious and confused about recent immigration law changes, making them desperate for help. To protect yourself, verify that anyone offering immigration legal services is a certified immigration attorney with a reputable background who provides a clear written contract outlining payment terms and case expectations.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-16
An 84-year-old woman fell victim to multiple financial scams and frauds perpetrated by accountants, family members, home health aides, and lawyers who exploited her declining memory and trusting nature, stealing thousands of dollars and attempting to gain control of her assets. Her daughter's firsthand account highlights the growing problem of elder financial abuse affecting seniors nationwide as the elderly population increases. Families should protect vulnerable loved ones by monitoring financial accounts, requiring dual signatures on checks, verifying credentials of hired professionals, and maintaining open communication about suspicious requests.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-16
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI is warning people about romance scams, particularly around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake online identities to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, be cautious about what you share online, verify a person's identity through image searches, move slowly in new relationships, and never send money to someone you've only met online. Red flags include people who seem too perfect, ask you to move communication off dating apps quickly, isolate you from friends and family, or constantly make excuses to avoid meeting in person.
fortune.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scams: A $16 Billion Crisis
Romance scams have cost victims billions of dollars by exploiting emotional connections and trust. Scammers typically pose as romantic interests or trusted acquaintances, gradually building relationships before requesting money or accessing bank accounts under false pretenses—such as Kate Kleinert losing her life savings after being manipulated through a fake friendship, and Beth Hyland nearly transferring large sums after believing she was helping a romantic interest. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, never share banking credentials with anyone, verify claims through independent channels, and remember that scammers often use emotional manipulation and urgency to override your judgment.
abcnews.go.com
· 2026-02-15
Amazon is warning customers about a surge in holiday scams, including fake order confirmations and phishing websites that trick people into sharing credit card numbers and personal information. The Federal Trade Commission has received over 3 million impersonation scam reports since 2018, resulting in more than $6 billion in consumer losses. To stay safe, customers should verify orders through their official Amazon account rather than clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited messages, and should be cautious of emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-15
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone the voices of loved ones in phone scams, as demonstrated when a CBS News anchor received a call appearing to be from her daughter demanding ransom money. These AI-powered voice scams are becoming more common and accessible, as inexpensive apps readily available online allow criminals to spoof phone numbers and create convincing voice replicas without requiring technical expertise. Experts recommend that people verify unexpected calls asking for money by hanging up and calling their loved ones directly through known contact information, and staying informed about these evolving tactics.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2026-02-15
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated images, videos, and voice messages to create fake romantic connections on dating apps and social media, then convincing victims to send money or invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes—with one Orange County woman losing nearly $100,000. These "romance scams" and "pig butchering" schemes have stolen billions of dollars by exploiting people's desire for connection, especially around Valentine's Day. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially those quickly escalating to requests for money or cryptocurrency investments, and verify new connections through video calls or in-person meetings before sharing any financial information.
wvua23.com
· 2026-02-15
Online romance scams target lonely people of all ages by building emotional trust through fake personas before requesting money for supposed emergencies, with victims often losing thousands of dollars that are rarely recovered. The scammers—who may use stolen images or impersonate celebrities—exploit the emotional connection they've cultivated to manipulate victims into sending money repeatedly. If someone you've met online but never in person asks for money or gifts, that's a red flag to end contact immediately and report the situation to local authorities rather than continuing to send funds.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-15
Americans are losing billions of dollars to sophisticated romance and investment scams that primarily target elderly people over 60, with victims like Kate Kleinert, Beth Hyland, and Jackie Crenshaw losing their life savings after scammers build trust through thousands of messages and deepfaked video calls before exploiting them financially. The FBI logged $16.6 billion in total fraud losses in 2024—a 33% increase from the previous year—with crypto-related fraud jumping 66%, yet the actual toll is likely much higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame and disbelief. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, avoid sharing personal financial information or making investments based on pressure from people you've only met digitally, and report suspected scams to authorities rather than hiding them out of embarrassment.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-15
Seniors need to urgently audit their Social Security records due to 2026 security changes, including a mandatory transition from legacy login credentials to new federal systems by March 8th and rising "redirection" fraud targeting retirees. The article identifies five critical data points that require verification—including updating outdated login credentials, setting up two-factor authentication, and designating trusted individuals through the "Advance Designation" feature to prevent account lockouts, unexpected tax bills, or benefits being diverted to scammers. Experts advise all beneficiaries to log in immediately, update their account information with proper identification verification, and proactively designate authorized representatives before the deadline to avoid losing access to their accounts and benefits.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-15
Social Security beneficiaries need to audit their accounts now due to 2026 security changes, including a mandatory transition from legacy login credentials to new federally-mandated systems by March 8th, or risk losing access to their accounts. Seniors should verify five critical data points in their records—including the new "Advance Designation" feature that lets them pre-select trusted individuals to manage benefits if incapacitated—to prevent fraud, locked accounts, and unexpected tax bills. Experts recommend logging in immediately to update credentials, enable two-factor authentication, and complete necessary profile updates before the deadline to avoid server crashes and protect against the spike in elder fraud targeting Social Security beneficiaries.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2026-02-15
# Article Summary
Singapore's insurance market has expanded to offer niche policies covering everything from cyber fraud protection to childhood illnesses and EV battery failures, driven by evolving consumer needs and technological innovation. The author's family lost S$200 to a phishing scam while booking travel insurance, prompting them to explore specialized coverage options like personal cyber insurance. To manage costs, Singapore's Monetary Authority recommends spending no more than 15 percent of income on insurance to keep coverage sustainable alongside other financial priorities.
vox.com
· 2026-02-15
Romance scams cost Americans $3 billion last year and are becoming increasingly prevalent, with AI now enabling scammers to run multiple schemes simultaneously by removing language barriers and providing ready-made fake personas and conversation scripts. These "pig-butchering" scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over time before extracting money, and criminals can now purchase complete scam toolkits on the dark web with AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and automated translation tools. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to authorities rather than sending funds to anyone you haven't met in person.
durhamregion.com
· 2026-02-15
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated romance scam targeting Canadians where fraudsters build fake romantic relationships over weeks or months before convincing victims to invest money in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Scammers use AI chatbots, deepfakes, and fake investment returns to gain trust, allowing victims to cash out small profits before requesting larger investments—at which point they disappear with the money. To protect yourself, be wary of romantic connections that quickly turn to investment opportunities, especially cryptocurrency, and never send money to people you haven't met in person.
christianpost.com
· 2026-02-14
Elderly people are increasingly targeted by text message scams ("smishing") that use urgent language and emotional manipulation to trick victims into revealing personal information or sending money, with scammers now using AI to make their deceptions more convincing. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, pause before responding to unexpected texts, never share personal information or act on urgent requests via text, verify requests through trusted contacts, and report suspicious messages to the FTC and your bank. The key is recognizing that legitimate organizations never demand immediate action or personal details through text messages.
wmur.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scam Warning
Law enforcement in New Hampshire and the broader Northeast are warning residents about romance scams, which have cost over 700 victims approximately $20 million across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Scammers typically target people seeking companionship—especially recent widows—by creating fake online personas, quickly professing love, and then requesting money for emergencies via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities advise people to watch for red flags like refusals to video call or meet in person, and urge victims not to feel ashamed but to reach out to loved ones and law enforcement for help.
sfstandard.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams in the Bay Area have exploded in 2025, with AI making these schemes faster and harder to detect—Northern California saw losses more than double to $43.3 million, with San Francisco alone experiencing a nearly 900% increase to $6.34 million. Scammers, often operating overseas, use dating apps, social media, and text messages to build trust with lonely or vulnerable victims before draining their savings in schemes known as "pig butchering." The FBI advises people to be cautious about online relationships, verify identities, and check for inconsistencies before sharing personal or financial information, especially with someone you've only met online.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-14
# Crypto Scams Costing Americans Millions
Americans are losing billions to rapidly growing crypto fraud schemes, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting significant losses last year from fake investment platforms and AI-generated impersonations. Two major scams include "pig butchering," where fraudsters build trust through dating apps or social media before convincing victims to invest in fake crypto opportunities and then disappearing with their money, and deepfake scams, where AI-generated videos impersonate celebrities and CEOs to promote fraudulent investments on social media platforms. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment pitches from online contacts, verify celebrity endorsements through official channels, and never invest based on video ads or messages from people you haven't met in person.
insidehalton.com
· 2026-02-14
"Pig butchering" is an increasingly common romance scam targeting Canadians where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency opportunities. Scammers use sophisticated tactics like AI chatbots, deepfakes, and fake investment returns to make the schemes appear legitimate, eventually disappearing with victims' money once larger sums are invested. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections that quickly turn to investment advice, verify investment opportunities independently, and never send money to online contacts you haven't met in person.
kjct8.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and coordinated networks to target people seeking love, especially around Valentine's Day and other holidays, often posing as potential partners before requesting money for cryptocurrency investments or other schemes. The scams are becoming harder to detect, with tactics including excessive emotional displays ("love bombing"), avoidance of in-person meetings, and targeting of older adults through dating apps and encrypted messaging platforms. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like reluctance to meet in person or appear on camera, and be skeptical of anyone pressuring you to send money or invest in cryptocurrency.
securitymagazine.com
· 2026-02-14
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary
Over 630,000 organized cybercriminals are running industrial-scale romance scams targeting millions of Americans on dating apps, with U.S. losses exceeding $1.3 billion annually and individual victims losing an average of $10,000 to $50,000 (often their entire life savings). Unlike the small-time catfishers of the past, these are professional operations with shift workers, quotas, and specialized roles that use fake personas, cryptocurrency exchanges, and VPNs to launder stolen money. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone you meet online who quickly professes affection, asks for money or financial information, or avoids video calls—and report suspected scams to the FTC and your dating app platform.
whio.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion in 2023, with scammers exploiting lonely individuals by building emotional connections online before requesting money for emergencies. One Ohio woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a scammer posing as "Matthew" before realizing she'd been defrauded. Banks recommend never sending money to someone you haven't physically met and verified, and tellers are now trained to watch for signs of romance fraud.
baynews9.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scams Summary
Americans lose over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims online and manipulate them into sending money, often by steering them toward fake investment platforms. The scams are becoming harder to detect due to AI-generated deepfakes that make scammers appear more authentic, and victims—even tech-savvy ones—often lose their life savings by maxing out credit cards. Lawmakers are pushing protective measures like the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating platforms to warn users about profiles later identified as fraudulent.
aol.com
· 2026-02-14
# Scams Targeting Older Adults
Elder fraud is a growing problem, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion in 2023—an 11% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech support scams (fake calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple), personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with scammers typically initiating contact through calls, emails, or texts before requesting money or access to devices. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or strangers, never give remote access to your devices or personal information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, verify any claims by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.
mashable.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams are increasingly prevalent, with two in five young adults encountering them weekly, and about 15% of Americans reporting financial losses to online dating scams—often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, particularly affecting men. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including AI-generated impersonations of loved ones, fake dating app clones (especially Plenty of Fish knockoffs), and fake "exclusive" dating invitations to trick people into sharing personal or payment information. To stay safe, users should verify new dating contacts carefully, be cautious of unsolicited dating app invitations, use legitimate apps with identity verification features like Tinder's new face-scanning requirement, and avoid sharing financial information with online matches.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2026-02-14
Americans are losing over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build fake emotional connections online to manipulate victims into sending money or investing in fake platforms, often using deepfakes and AI to appear more authentic. The scams affect people across all tech-savviness levels, with victims frequently maxing out credit cards and losing their life savings. To protect yourself, be wary of new online romantic interests who quickly suggest investments or ask for money, and lawmakers are now pushing dating platforms to alert users about profiles banned for fraud.
bendsource.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scams have become increasingly prevalent and costly, with victims reporting $12.5 billion in investment-related fraud losses in 2024—triple the amount from three years prior. Scammers typically pose as attractive, successful individuals on dating apps and social media, using fake profiles and AI-generated content to build trust before pressuring victims into fake investments or requesting money directly. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like unsolicited contact, pressure to invest quickly, promises of easy money, or any request for financial information, and verify any investment opportunities through official regulatory websites before proceeding.
newyorker.com
· 2026-02-13
Scammers posing as representatives from medical device manufacturers like Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson called women with pelvic mesh implants, claiming their devices were dangerous "time bombs" and offering free removal surgery at specific clinics in Florida. Women like Sharon Gore and Barbara Shepard, who didn't even know they had mesh implants or weren't experiencing serious problems, were manipulated through knowledge of their private medical histories into believing they needed urgent surgery. The scam exploited both the women's health vulnerabilities and a system that allowed fraudsters easy access to private medical information, making it crucial for patients to verify any unsolicited medical calls directly with their doctors and manufacturers rather than trusting caller information.
koco.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Scams Powered by AI Are Costing Americans Hundreds of Millions
Americans lost over $672 million to romance scams in 2024, with artificial intelligence making scammers increasingly difficult to detect—one in four Americans has encountered a fake profile or AI chatbot, and one in seven has lost money to these schemes. Scammers use AI to create convincing personas by studying victims' social media posts, then gradually build trust through mirroring interests and offering sympathy over days or weeks. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online dating connections that seem too perfectly matched to your interests, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, and watch for red flags like requests for personal information or financial help early in the relationship.
wfsb.com
· 2026-02-13
Connecticut state officials have issued a warning about romance scams that target people on dating apps and social media, particularly around Valentine's Day when online dating increases. Scammers build trust over weeks or months before requesting money for travel, visas, or emergencies, with victims losing an average of $2,000 according to the Federal Trade Commission. To protect yourself, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, trust your instincts if something feels off, and if you've already been scammed, contact your bank immediately to request a refund and report the incident to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
itweb.co.za
· 2026-02-13
South African dating app users are being warned about a surge in sophisticated "pig butchering" scams—where fraudsters use AI-generated deepfakes and fake identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often in cryptocurrency schemes. A recent Interpol operation across Africa resulted in 260 arrests and exposed how these criminal networks target middle-aged and recently divorced individuals on platforms like Tinder and Hinge, with about 80% of identity scams now using deepfake technology. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone pushing you to move conversations off dating apps to encrypted platforms, verify video calls carefully, and avoid any requests for money or investment opportunities from people you've only met online.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-12
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary
Romance scams peak around Valentine's Day and have become increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence, stolen personal data, and AI-generated profiles to target vulnerable populations like widowed, divorced, or older adults returning to online dating. Modern scammers no longer rely on simple tactics but instead use AI to create convincing fake identities, impersonate real people, generate deepfake videos, and even build elaborate fake social networks to build trust before requesting money. To protect yourself, be cautious of new online connections asking for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches, watch for inconsistencies in stories, and avoid sharing personal information early in relationships.
tn.gov
· 2026-02-12
# Pig Butchering Romance Scam Alert
Pig Butchering scams are long-term romance frauds where scammers build fake relationships with victims over months before convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency, ultimately stealing their life savings. Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance warns that these scams typically start with a "wrong number" text, progress to building trust and friendship, and gradually shift toward investment pitches. To protect yourself, never share personal or financial information with strangers online, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, ask questions before trusting anyone, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI.
scworld.com
· 2026-02-12
A fugitive cryptocurrency fraudster has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a "pig butchering" scam that stole over $73 million from American victims—schemes where criminals build fake online relationships before tricking people into fraudulent investments. The 42-year-old defendant and his co-conspirators operated from Cambodia, laundering stolen funds through shell companies and cryptocurrency platforms like Tether. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify the legitimacy of investment contacts through official channels before sending any money.
vietnamnet.vn
· 2026-02-12
# Fraud Summary
Scammers in Vietnam executed a sophisticated multi-stage fraud targeting an elderly woman by hacking her phone, impersonating her grandson through a fake Facebook account and AI-generated video call, and claiming he urgently needed money for a computer. The criminals exploited her love for family by creating fake time pressure ("golden promotion hour") and eventually sent someone directly to her home to collect VND20 million in cash, then continued pressuring her to borrow additional funds from neighbors under false pretenses. To protect yourself, verify urgent money requests by contacting family members through known phone numbers, be suspicious of time pressure tactics, never send cash to strangers, and disable video call features if you're unfamiliar with technology.
ago.mo.gov
· 2026-02-12
Romance scams are rapidly growing frauds where criminals create fake online identities to build emotional connections with victims and trick them into sending money or personal information, costing people billions of dollars annually and causing significant emotional harm. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway warns that red flags include rushed relationships, requests for money or cryptocurrency, and reluctance to meet in person, while noting that friends and family members often spot warning signs first and can play a crucial role in prevention. If you suspect you or a loved one is being targeted, contact Missouri's Consumer Protection hotline at (800) 392-8222 or report online at ago.mo.gov for help.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-12
Romance scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect as scammers use artificial intelligence to create fake identities with realistic photos, social media histories, and even video calls, according to financial experts warning of a surge around Valentine's Day. Americans have lost over $1.14 billion to these scams since 2023, with one in four Americans encountering fake profiles or AI-generated bots online; scammers typically build trust over months through emotional manipulation ("love bombing") before requesting money, often targeting lonely or vulnerable people. To protect yourself, be cautious of overly enthusiastic new online contacts, verify identities through independent means, watch for requests for money or personal information, and remember that scammers often research your social media to tailor their approach—if something feels too good to be true, it likely is.
sg.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-11
At least 10 Singapore travelers to Malaysia lost over $24,000 after receiving fake text messages impersonating the Land Transport Authority (LTA) that directed them to phishing websites to steal their banking details under the guise of unpaid toll payments. The scammers spoofed a decommissioned LTA sender ID from overseas, making the messages appear legitimate, and victims who clicked the links were redirected to fraudulent payment pages. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited SMS messages, never share personal banking information with unknown senders, and verify toll or fine payments directly through the official One Motoring website or check that legitimate LTA messages come from the "gov.sg" sender ID.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-11
A fugitive Chinese-Kittsian national named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million cryptocurrency scam that defrauded American victims through fake investment schemes operated from Cambodia. Li and his co-conspirators used social media, dating apps, and phone calls to build trust with victims before tricking them into sending money to fraudulent crypto platforms or by impersonating tech support. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic connections from online strangers, verify any tech support requests directly with companies, and never send money or personal information to unknown parties offering financial opportunities.
money.com
· 2026-02-11
Scammers are increasingly targeting consumers through fake versions of trusted brands—from K-beauty products to Social Security and Amazon—using sophisticated AI-powered schemes and creating false urgency to steal money and personal information. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, but you can protect yourself by being skeptical of unsolicited messages that create panic or demand immediate action, and by always verifying requests directly with companies using official contact information rather than clicking links in suspicious emails or texts.
floridapolitics.com
· 2026-02-11
Florida seniors and vulnerable adults are increasingly falling victim to predatory public adjuster contracts that exploit people during stressful situations following home disasters or storms, using high-pressure tactics to force them into unfair agreements. Two proposed bills in the Florida Legislature (SB 266 and HB 427) would allow seniors, veterans, and vulnerable adults to cancel these contracts without penalty if they didn't fully understand the terms. The author, an elder law attorney, urges lawmakers to pass these common-sense protections to safeguard Floridians during moments of crisis when they're most susceptible to exploitation.
theintermountain.com
· 2026-02-11
AARP West Virginia is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from growing cryptocurrency and real estate scams that are increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older residents. Criminals are exploiting unregulated cryptocurrency kiosks—machines resembling ATMs found in stores and gas stations—to trick people into transferring funds through non-refundable transactions with hidden fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar money transfer machines in public places, verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity, and consult trusted sources before sending money, especially to unfamiliar parties.
t2online.in
· 2026-02-11
Senior citizens in India are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated online scams, with cybercrimes against older adults rising 86% in 2025, including "digital arrest" threats, AI-generated bank calls, and deepfake impersonation that exploit their unfamiliarity with technology and tendency to trust authority figures. The problem is acute because India's 15 crore senior citizens have rapidly adopted digital banking and payments out of necessity—especially for pensions and healthcare—but have received little formal training in online safety. Experts recommend that seniors should never share OTPs or personal information in response to unsolicited calls or messages, verify requests by independently contacting their bank or family members, and seek digital literacy training from trusted sources before conducting sensitive transactions online.
sciencealert.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scams: What You Need to Know
Romance scams are a rapidly growing form of cybercrime that targets people emotionally through fake online relationships before stealing their money. Recently, Australian police warned over 5,000 people they may have been victims of large-scale romance scams where criminals used dating apps to build trust and convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be cautious of profiles that seem unusually credible, avoid moving conversations off dating apps to private messaging platforms, and be skeptical if someone you've just met online asks for money—especially for investments or emergencies.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scam Summary
Sophisticated romance scams are targeting dating app users, with one in four Americans reporting encounters with fake profiles or AI-generated bots in the past year. Scammers use stolen photos to build trust, then persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by showing fake profits and official-looking statements—two victims lost nearly $1 million and $80,000 respectively before realizing the accounts were frozen. To protect yourself, be wary of new matches who quickly pivot conversations to investment opportunities, verify profiles through reverse image searches, and never invest money with someone you've only met online.
abc11.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day
Romance scammers are increasingly targeting people searching for love online, using AI technology to create highly personalized messages and building trust over months or even years before requesting money disguised as emergencies or investments. People should be wary of online matches who avoid meeting in person, claim to be overseas or military-based, rush emotional commitments, or ask for money for any reason. The safest approach is to never send money to someone you've only met online, and to verify identities through video calls before developing deeper relationships.
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.
fox40.com
· 2026-02-10
The FBI is warning people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, in which criminals use fake online identities on dating and social media sites to build trust with victims before asking for money. Scammers typically claim to work in construction overseas, use excuses like medical emergencies or legal fees to request funds, and will never meet in person despite promises of marriage. People should be cautious of anyone asking for bank account information or money online, and can find more protection tips on the FBI's website.
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.