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in Romance Scams
thebridgechronicle.com
Deepfake technology is increasingly being used in online dating scams to create fake profiles with AI-generated faces and manipulate videos and voice messages to deceive victims emotionally before requesting money or sensitive information. Victims experience significant psychological harm including trust issues, anxiety, shame, and trauma from the emotional manipulation. To protect themselves, users should reverse image search photos, request real-time video calls early, avoid sharing personal information, and watch for red flags like overly polished photos, declined video calls, and generic or rehearsed responses.
whio.com
This educational article explains how to identify fake social media profiles used by scammers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Tinder. Key warning signs include fake or AI-generated profile pictures (verify with reverse image search), brand-new accounts with unusual activity patterns, generic or automated posting behavior, and follower lists consisting of random unconnected accounts. The article advises online users to maintain skepticism about profiles they encounter and check for these indicators before engaging with unfamiliar accounts.
home.treasury.gov
The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Funnull Technology Inc., a Philippines-based company that provided computer infrastructure supporting hundreds of thousands of "pig butchering" virtual currency investment scam websites, resulting in over $200 million in reported U.S. losses. These sophisticated scams, often perpetrated by Southeast Asian criminal organizations using trafficked workers, deceive victims into fake investment platforms through elaborate romantic or trust-based schemes, with average individual losses exceeding $150,000. The FBI is publishing a cybersecurity advisory with technical details to help the private sector identify and dismantle Funnull-associated websites.
finance.yahoo.com
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Funnull, a Philippines-based company run by Chinese national Liu Lizhi, for providing infrastructure to cybercriminals operating "pig butchering" crypto investment scams that defrauded American victims of approximately $200 million, with an average loss of $150,000 per victim. Funnull generated fraudulent domain names and website templates to help scammers impersonate legitimate brands, and also conducted the Polyfill supply chain attack to redirect website visitors to malicious gambling and scam sites. These services enabled criminals to quickly evade detection by switching domains and IP addresses when legitimate providers attempted to shut down their operations.
bbc.com
This article is about police staffing and morale in Kent, England—not elder fraud or scams. While Chief Constable Tim Smith briefly mentioned "romance scams" during the interview, the article focuses on officer retention, low morale, pay concerns, and staffing issues within Kent Police. This does not fall within the scope of elder fraud research for the Elderus database.
bbc.co.uk
This article is not relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database. It concerns police officer morale and staffing issues in Kent Police, not elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. While the chief constable briefly mentioned "romance scams" in passing, the article does not discuss details of scams or their impact on victims.
ghanaweb.com
A Ghanaian man known as Dada Joe (Nana Kojo Boateng) was arrested by Ghana's Economic and Organized Crime Office in collaboration with the FBI for alleged involvement in romance fraud and cybercrime. The suspect may face extradition to the U.S. for prosecution, marking part of an international effort to combat transnational romance scams that target vulnerable individuals by building fake online relationships to extract money from victims.
ghanaweb.com
A Ghanaian man identified as Dada Joe (Nana Kojo Boateng) was arrested by Ghana's Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in collaboration with the FBI on allegations of romance fraud and cybercrime. The suspect faces potential extradition to the United States for prosecution in what represents part of an international effort to combat transnational romance scams that target vulnerable individuals for financial exploitation.
etnownews.com
This article outlines ten common fraud schemes targeting Indian consumers, including phishing impersonations of banks and government agencies, Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns, fake law enforcement extortion, fraudulent work-from-home jobs, UPI PIN theft, ATM skimming, predatory loan apps, pump-and-dump stock schemes, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, and fake parcel delivery scams. The piece emphasizes that fraudsters exploit trust through multiple channels (email, SMS, calls, apps) and advises victims to verify legitimacy through official channels, avoid sharing sensitive information like OTPs and UPI PINs, use only RBI-registered financial services, and report suspicious
okcfox.com
This editorial discusses the evolution and pervasiveness of fraud from ancient times to 2024, noting that the FBI received 859,532 online crime complaints in 2024 with losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33% increase from the prior year. The article highlights emerging threats including cryptocurrency fraud ($24.2 billion in illicit transfers in 2023), AI-powered deepfakes (which surged 1,740% in North America between 2022-2023, with one incident targeting a Hong Kong firm for $25 million), and voice-cloning scams targeting individuals through fake calls from loved ones. Williams emphasizes that fraud affects all demographics—not just the
hometownstations.com
Ohio's older adults face significant financial exploitation risk, with projected losses exceeding $60 million in 2025 and complaints to the Division of Securities increasing 22% year-over-year (302 complaints in 2024 versus 247 in 2023). Common scams targeting seniors include romance schemes, tech support impersonations, and grandparent scams, with warning signs including unexplained withdrawals, changes in banking practices, and unpaid bills. The Ohio Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are partnering during Elder Abuse Awareness Month to educate the public on recognizing exploitation and providing resources for reporting, including hotlines for securities fraud, adult protective services, an
justice.gov
Nadine Jazimne Wade, a 30-year-old Bronx resident, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for laundering over $2 million in proceeds from romance scams targeting elderly victims across the United States between 2016 and 2021. Scammers based in Nigeria and South Africa used fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims online, then convinced them to send money to bank accounts controlled by Wade, who rapidly moved the funds through cash withdrawals, vehicle purchases, and transfers to other scheme members. Wade was ordered to pay $1,772,618 in restitution and forfeit $2,261,791.
columbiamagazine.com
Romance scammers operating on dating apps and social media platforms defrauded Americans of over $1 billion in 2023 and at least that much in 2024, with one notable victim being a 72-year-old widower named Gary who lost $50,000 to a scammer posing as a woman named Nasha. Scammers use tactics including requests for money for travel or investments, pressure for gift cards, and AI-generated photos to impersonate real people and celebrities. The U.S. Secret Service recommends avoiding financial transactions with people you've never met in person and being wary of red flags such as urgent money requests, pressure for gifts, an
yahoo.com
Brian Ketchum, an 82-year-old retired engineer, lost at least $45,000 over three years to a romance scam on the Dream Singles website, communicating with fake profiles including a woman named "Vasilisa." His children discovered the scam but were unable to stop their father from continuing to spend money, fearing loss of the fantasy companionship, until his death. Americans 60 and older lost at least $389 million to romance scams in 2024 alone, according to the FBI, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tools like AI-generated photos and convincing messages to exploit emotionally and socially isolated elderly victims.
cointelegraph.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted in cryptocurrency scams because scammers view them as wealthy, trusting, and less technologically savvy, exploiting the irreversible nature of crypto transactions and victims' reluctance to report fraud. The FTC reports growing losses from crypto investment fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation, with seniors in Beaufort County, South Carolina alone losing over $3.1 million in 2024, while sophisticated schemes using AI voice cloning and fake websites are becoming more prevalent. Examples include British pensioners losing hundreds of thousands to romance fraud operations in Cambodia, Minnesota crypto ATM scams that cost over $189 million in 2023, and government impersonation
lsj.com.au
Transnational organized crime groups operating "scam factories" in Southeast Asian countries (Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia) force trafficked workers into sophisticated multilingual fraud operations targeting international victims. Between January 2024 and February 2025, Australia lost $384.2 million to scams, with investment scams causing the largest losses ($225.7 million), while over 300,000 people are estimated to be forced laborers in scam operations across the Mekong region, generating approximately $43.8 billion annually for criminal enterprises. These operations employ advanced technologies including deepfakes and AI language models to impersonate authority figures and craft convincing fraud scripts.
mosmancollective.com
A North Sydney man lost tens of thousands of dollars in a romance scam after meeting a woman named "Sherri" on a dating site in March. After building rapport over email, the scammer claimed financial emergencies and convinced the victim to transfer money for a work trip and then for flights and expenses to New Zealand, where she claimed her bank account had been frozen. The victim's bank eventually alerted him to the fraud after he had already sent multiple large sums of money.
ibsintelligence.com
UK fraud losses remained at £1.17 billion in 2024, with 70% of authorised push payment fraud cases originating online through social media and messaging platforms. Investment and romance scams are surging despite fewer reported cases, with victims often losing life savings to sophisticated social engineering tactics that bypass bank warnings. Experts warn that fraudsters are evolving tactics—particularly toward remote purchase fraud—and call for a unified national strategy involving banks, law enforcement, and technology providers to address fraud, which now represents 40% of all UK crime.
the420.in
In 2024, the UK experienced £12,332 crore in reported fraud losses, with banks blocking even greater unauthorized attempts, yet emerging threats like remote access scams, social engineering, and platform-enabled fraud continue to outpace defenses. Seventy percent of authorized push payment scams originated online, while investment fraud and romance scams increasingly target victims through social media and polished digital ads, often exploiting emotional manipulation or false financial promises. Experts warn that fraud now represents 40% of all UK crime, yet the fragmented regulatory approach places disproportionate responsibility on banks rather than holding tech platforms, telcos, and other enablers accountable, necessitating a unified national strategy
moneyweek.com
In 2024, fraudsters stole £144.4 million through investment fraud in the UK—a 34% increase from 2023—despite a 24% reduction in the number of cases, indicating victims are losing larger amounts per scam. Investment fraud involves criminals convincing victims to invest in fictitious funds or fake opportunities (cryptocurrencies, property, commodities, etc.), often amplified through AI deepfaking on social media. Overall UK fraud losses reached £1.17 billion across 3.31 million confirmed cases in 2024, with unauthorised fraud (particularly card fraud and remote purchase fraud) being the most prevalent type.
dig.watch
Dianne Ringstaff, a Florida woman, lost approximately $160,000 in an AI-powered romance scam in which a fraudster impersonated actor Keanu Reeves using deepfake videos and cloned voice technology. Over two and a half years, the scammer cultivated trust with Ringstaff before claiming financial legal troubles and convincing her to take out a home equity loan and sell her car to help. Her bank account was also used to funnel money from other victims, and Ringstaff is now speaking publicly to warn others about the growing threat of celebrity impersonation scams using artificial intelligence.
wtap.com
The Parkersburg Police Department reported a significant rise in bitcoin scams using tactics such as phishing, romance scams, and fake law enforcement threats claiming outstanding warrants. Once victims send money to bitcoin machines, the funds are transferred overseas to criminals with no possibility of recovery. The department advises against sharing financial information with unknown contacts, investing based on online advice, and emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement will never request bitcoin payments for fines.
wgauradio.com
Social engineering and AI-powered fraud are recognized as major cybersecurity threats in 2025, with scammers increasingly using deepfakes, hyper-personalized phishing, and automation to deceive victims at scale. Adults 60 and older reported the highest losses in 2024 at over $4.8 billion (up 43% from 2023), particularly falling victim to phishing/spoofing and tech support scams, while investment fraud caused $6.57 billion and cryptocurrency fraud reached $9.3 billion in total losses. The article emphasizes that while classic scam methods like phishing and business email compromise remain dominant, AI technology is making
wsoctv.com
Social engineering and AI-powered fraud are among the top cybersecurity threats of 2025, with scammers now using deepfakes, hyper-personalized phishing, and AI automation to make deception more convincing and targeted than ever. Adults aged 60 and older reported the highest losses in 2024 at over $4.8 billion (up 43% from 2023), with phishing/spoofing and tech support scams hitting this demographic hardest, while investment fraud alone caused $6.57 billion in losses and cryptocurrency fraud reached $9.3 billion. To protect against these evolving threats, individuals and organizations should employ straightforward defense strategies including
hindustantimes.com
The Chinese embassy in Dhaka warned citizens against "buying foreign wives" through marriage scams and trafficking networks, noting that social media matchmaking offers often lead to financial losses and human trafficking. A surplus of 35 million unmarried men in China—caused by the legacy of the one-child policy—has driven demand for foreign brides, particularly from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Russia, fueling criminal networks that traffic women under the guise of arranged marriages. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan have issued their own warnings, with authorities threatening arrests for involvement in cross-border marriage trafficking, while Human Rights Watch has documented risks of sexual slavery for Pakistani women and girls trafficked to China.
abc3340.com
Three Chinese nationals were sentenced to federal prison (24-60 months) in April for operating a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme that targeted both elderly individuals through fake online romance scams and unsuspecting shoppers. The criminals stole gift card codes by removing security covers, purchased high-value electronics (primarily Apple products), and shipped them to China for resale, generating hundreds of millions in profits across multiple locations. Consumers are advised to inspect gift cards for tampering before purchase and avoid sending money or gift cards to unknown online contacts.
businesstoday.in
The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh issued an advisory warning citizens against cross-border marriage scams and trafficking, noting that illegal matchmaking services and "buying foreign wives" through deception are proliferating via social media platforms and can result in serious legal consequences including human trafficking charges. The warning stems from increasing cases where Chinese nationals enter exploitative marriages in Bangladesh and Bangladeshi women are trafficked to China under the guise of matrimony, driven by China's severe gender imbalance of approximately 30 million unmarried men. Bangladesh enforces strict anti-trafficking laws with penalties ranging from seven years to life imprisonment or death, and the embassy urged victims to report scams immediately to authorities.
theweek.in
The Chinese embassy in Bangladesh warned its citizens against romance scams and illegal cross-border matchmaking, particularly on social media platforms where fraudsters pose as potential spouses to exploit victims financially and personally. The warning was prompted by documented cases of human trafficking, including a 2023 incident where a Bangladeshi girl was sold to a Chinese man for 10 lakh takas under false pretenses of marriage, then forced into prostitution in China. China's severe gender imbalance has created vulnerability among millions of unmarried men seeking foreign wives, making them targets for scammers and traffickers.
ca.news.yahoo.com
The Chinese embassy in Bangladesh warned citizens against participating in cross-border marriage schemes after reports of widespread marriage scams and human trafficking targeting Chinese men seeking foreign brides. China's surplus of approximately 35 million unmarried men, driven by decades of gender-skewed policies and declining marriage rates, has fueled demand for international matchmaking services, leading criminal networks to traffic women and girls from South and Southeast Asia (particularly Bangladesh and Pakistan) under the false pretense of marriage. The embassy cautioned that those involved in illegal cross-border marriages could face trafficking charges, while experts highlighted the economic pressures on rural Chinese men who struggle to afford traditional marriage costs.
livemint.com
The Chinese embassy in Bangladesh issued a warning to its nationals against participating in matchmaking scams and "buying foreign wives," cautioning them to avoid illegal matchmaking agents and online romance scams involving cross-border dating content on social media platforms. The advisory emphasized that under Chinese law, cross-border marriage matchmaking services are prohibited, and individuals engaging in such activities face legal consequences, while those arrested in Bangladesh for cross-border marriages may face human trafficking charges with severe penalties including imprisonment or death. The embassy urged citizens to report suspected online romance scams to Chinese public security authorities immediately.
greaterkashmir.com
**Summary:**
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka issued a warning to its citizens against marrying Bangladeshi women through informal or online channels, citing a widespread romance scam and human trafficking operation targeting vulnerable women from impoverished and indigenous communities. Victims are lured into fake marriages with Chinese nationals, transported to China, and forced into prostitution or servitude; documented cases include a woman from Chuadanga trafficked in 2023 and multiple indigenous women from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Similar patterns have affected over 600 Pakistani girls since 2019, involving networks of local and Chinese traffickers operating across borders.
leaderlive.co.uk
Between April 2022 and March 2025, 386 romance scam cases in North Wales resulted in collective losses of £2.39 million, with an average loss of £8,457 per victim, as reported by Action Fraud. Across Wales, England, and Northern Ireland during this period, romance scammers stole £271.4 million from over 19,500 victims, with women and transgender individuals suffering disproportionately higher average losses despite reporting fewer cases. The data reflects a 17 percent increase in romance fraud reports in 2024/25, with scammers targeting victims through fake romantic relationships and manipulating them into sending money.
emerj.com
Financial institutions face mounting operational costs and resource challenges in combating cybercrime, which surged to 859,532 complaints and $16.6 billion in losses in 2024 according to the FBI. Effective fraud prevention requires sophisticated technology and stronger public-private collaboration between banks and law enforcement, as current anti-money laundering efforts are hindered by poor information-sharing and unclear coordination frameworks. The article emphasizes that banks must adopt holistic, data-driven approaches to suspicious activity detection while governments and regulators improve alignment to reduce conflicting compliance expectations.
nbcboston.com
Massachusetts' Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations is conducting community education events to alert residents about increasingly common scams, noting that older Americans lost nearly $5 billion to fraud last year. Common fraud tactics include tech support, romance, and cryptocurrency scams, with advice to residents including changing passwords frequently, using two-factor authentication, avoiding calls from unknown numbers, and never sharing personal information with unsolicited callers. The state emphasizes that fraud affects all demographics and encourages residents to report scams or seek guidance through their consumer hotline at 617-973-8787.
globenewswire.com
This article is a promotional review of Senior Match, an online dating platform launched in 2001 for adults aged 50 and above, which boasts over one million registered members. The platform offers features including profile browsing, match suggestions, messaging (on paid accounts), and community resources, with both free and premium membership tiers available. The article serves as an informational guide for older adults seeking companionship, relationships, or friendships through a dedicated senior dating service.
globaltimes.cn
The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh warned citizens against illegal cross-border marriage schemes, including "buying foreign wives" and using dating apps for matchmaking, which violate Chinese law and often constitute online romance scams or human trafficking. The embassy cautioned that those engaged in such activities in Bangladesh face severe penalties including 7 years to life imprisonment and fines up to 500,000 taka ($4,116), with lengthy judicial proceedings that can delay resolution for months or years. Citizens are advised to avoid commercial marriage agencies, remain vigilant against romance scams, and report victimization to Chinese authorities.
mb.com.ph
Meta platforms (Instagram and Facebook) are experiencing a surge in scams operated by fraud rings in China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with internal Meta analysis showing 70 percent of newly active advertisers promoting scams or low-quality products. Despite recognizing the problem, Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement, allowing repeat offenders to accumulate violations before facing consequences. Common scam tactics include phishing, fake giveaways, investment/crypto schemes, romance scams, fake job offers, and sextortion, which exploit urgency and emotional manipulation to deceive users.
journalnews.com.ph
Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook are experiencing a surge in scams operated by international fraud rings from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with an internal Meta analysis revealing that 70% of newly active advertisers promote scams or low-quality products. Common scam tactics include phishing, fake giveaways, investment schemes, romance scams, fraudulent job offers, and sextortion, which exploit urgency and emotional manipulation to deceive users. Despite recognizing the problem, Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement, allowing repeat offenders to accumulate multiple violations before facing consequences.
techbullion.com
Cryptocurrency losses totaling millions of dollars annually occur through investment scams, romance scams, phishing attacks, exchange hacks, and accidental transfers, with blockchain's immutable nature making recovery extremely difficult. Tawny Swift Ltd has positioned itself as a specialized cryptocurrency recovery service in the United States, utilizing advanced blockchain analytics, forensic techniques, and data-driven investigations to trace and potentially recover lost digital assets. The firm's focus exclusively on crypto recovery and commitment to modernizing its tools and strategies distinguishes it in addressing a growing crisis that exceeds conventional law enforcement capabilities.
investopedia.com
Americans lost an estimated $47 billion to scams in 2024, with investment fraud accounting for at least $5.7 billion of those losses. Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults are 34% more likely than older adults to fall victim to fraud, which takes multiple forms including impostor scams using AI voice cloning, lottery/prize schemes, and phishing attempts. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed returns, unusual payment requests, and demands for login credentials—and always independently verify investment opportunities through official resources like the SEC's EDGAR database before committing funds.
slguardian.org
A 2025 report by the Humanity Research Consultancy identifies Cambodia as the global epicentre of transnational cyber fraud, with senior Cambodian politicians allegedly supporting and profiting from scam operations that generate approximately $19 billion annually through forced labour and human trafficking. The industry primarily targets vulnerable individuals—particularly elderly men in the West—through "pig butchering" scams on dating apps, where scammers pose as women to extract large sums in cryptocurrency before disappearing. The Southeast Asian scam industry employs over 350,000 people worth an estimated $75 billion annually, with thousands of trafficked workers subjected to violence and abuse if they fail to meet fraud quotas
abc7.com
A Hulu docuseries titled "Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam" follows three women who were defrauded by a fictional man they met online, with some victims losing their life savings. The scam utilized stolen photos and identity of actor and makeup artist Brian Haugen, whose image was replicated across thousands of fake profiles. The series explores how romance scams succeed and emphasizes warning signs including secrecy, requests for money, and online-only relationships.
echo-news.co.uk
Over the past three years, 549 Essex residents lost more than £5.5 million to dating scams, averaging £10,142 per victim, as part of a larger UK trend affecting 21,976 people and costing over £250 million between 2022 and 2025. Dating fraud scammers manipulate victims by pretending to pursue romantic relationships, causing not only financial loss but also significant psychological and emotional harm. Reports of dating scams increased 17 percent in 2024/25, making it a growing concern across the UK.
npr.org
This NPR Planet Money episode explores "pig-butchering" romance scams, where scammers use fake text messages and romantic engagement to gradually manipulate victims into cryptocurrency investments before stealing their money. Journalist Zeke Faux deliberately engaged with a scammer named Vicky Ho to investigate connections between these scams and the cryptocurrency Tether, discovering how criminals use the platform to launder money and defraud victims of potentially millions of dollars.
thereporterethiopia.com
Hundreds of thousands of people, particularly Ethiopians seeking employment, have been trafficked to Myanmar's rebel-controlled territories through fake job offers in IT and hospitality, where they are forced to participate in online fraud schemes (cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, identity theft) under threat of violence and torture. One victim, 27-year-old IT graduate Yosef Atirsaw, was held captive for months posing as a female model to lure victims into pyramid schemes, witnessing brutal abuse including lashings and forced labor. As of December, an estimated 3,000 Ethiopians were reported trapped in these scam centers, though diplomatic efforts have secured the release of
wjla.com
U.S. Attorney Jenine Pirro warned of rising cryptocurrency scams in which fraudsters contact victims via texts, dating apps, or investment groups, then direct them to fake investment platforms mimicking legitimate exchanges. Scammers convince victims to transfer bank funds into these fake accounts, initially showing false profits to encourage larger deposits before locking victims out and stealing all funds; officials recovered $868,247 from one such scheme through the FBI and Computer Crime Section. Victims of cryptocurrency, romance, or investment scams can report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
edition.mv
During the week of May 13-19, the Maldives Police Service's Anti-Scam Centre reported 45 fraud cases resulting in MVR 481,520 in losses, with MVR 383,610 recovered; the majority of scams (80%) involved e-commerce and online business fraud across platforms including e-commerce sites, Facebook Marketplace, Viber, and other social media. Since its establishment in March of the previous year, the centre has handled 229 scam reports over six months totaling MVR 2.2 million in losses, leading police to freeze 125 bank accounts and urge the public to exercise caution with unfamiliar
yahoo.com
**Summary:**
Tennesseans lost more than $23 million to investment scams in the first quarter of 2025, with cryptocurrency scams showing dramatic growth over the past 12 months, according to the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau. While older adults remain frequent targets, younger adults are increasingly falling victim to these schemes, which typically promise quick returns on small investments of a couple thousand dollars with an average loss of about $5,000 per victim. The BBB emphasizes reporting these scams to help prevent future victimization and to assist government agencies in combating fraud.
shorelinemedia.net
Law enforcement in Michigan warns that scammers use urgency and secrecy to target victims, particularly seniors, requesting payment via hard-to-trace methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. Common tactics include impersonating government agencies, using AI-generated calls, posing as family members or romantic interests on social media, and demanding payment for fictitious warrants or debts. Authorities advise victims to immediately freeze accounts, file police reports, avoid clicking suspicious links, verify caller identities through independent searches, and remember that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment via gift cards.
gript.ie
Irish police (An Garda Síochána) warn the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters build fake online relationships to extract money from victims over extended periods. Reported cases include a Dutch woman whose account was used to launder stolen money after a three-year fake relationship, and an Irish woman who lost €48,000 to a romance scammer over 13 months; scammers typically request money for travel costs, medical emergencies, or business investments, with amounts escalating as trust builds. Gardaí emphasize that many victims delay reporting due to embarrassment and are working with Europol to disrupt organized romance scam operations.