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wkbw.com
· 2026-02-13
Federal officials are warning Western New Yorkers about a sharp rise in romance scams, which cost victims over $1.3 billion nationwide in 2024, with criminals using fake dating profiles and AI technology to build trust before directing victims to fraudulent investment schemes. Scammers specifically target lonely individuals, and a particularly brutal tactic called "pig butchering" involves encouraging victims to make increasingly large investments before stealing their money, with victims often losing life savings and taking out loans. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic interests who quickly push investment opportunities, and remember that if something "doesn't smell right or feel right, it probably isn't right."
audacy.com
· 2026-02-13
Federal authorities in Buffalo are warning of a rising romance investment scam where fraudsters build trust with victims online and then lure them into fake investment or cryptocurrency platforms, often showing fake statements of unrealistic returns and even sending back small withdrawals to build credibility before requesting larger sums. The scam represents an evolution of traditional romance fraud, making victims more likely to invest substantial amounts of money. People should be cautious about online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently, and never send money to romantic interests they haven't met in person.
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.
decrypt.co
· 2026-02-13
U.S. prosecutors are warning about a surge in romance scams timed around Valentine's Day, where scammers build fake emotional relationships over weeks or months before luring victims into fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. These "pig butchering" scams exploit emotional trust to manipulate victims into sending money via crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers, with red flags including requests to move conversations to messaging apps like WhatsApp, declarations of love, refusal to meet in person, and pressure to invest. To protect yourself, be skeptical of strangers offering investment advice, watch for signs of emotional manipulation, and never send money via untraceable payment methods to people you haven't met in person.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance and Investment Scams on the Rise
Federal law enforcement agencies in Western New York are warning the public about a sharp increase in sophisticated romance scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships on dating apps and social media before convincing victims to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or trading schemes. Victims of all ages—including professionals, seniors, and younger adults—have lost thousands of dollars and suffered significant emotional trauma, with scammers using tactics like "pig-butchering" where they shower victims with affection before disappearing with their money. Authorities advise people to be extremely cautious about what they share online, never send money to online contacts regardless of how trustworthy they seem, and trust their instincts if something feels off.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
· 2026-02-13
An estimated 220,000 people are trapped in "scam compounds" across Cambodia and Myanmar, where they are held captive and forced to conduct online fraud targeting people worldwide. These industrialized operations are not hidden criminal enterprises but are openly embedded within legitimate business infrastructure, protected by government officials, and sustained by global financial systems. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers from acquaintances (especially those promising high pay abroad), verify employment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious online activity to authorities.
cobbcountycourier.com
· 2026-02-13
# Online Romance Scams Target Millions of Americans
Online romance scams are defrauding millions of Americans, with an estimated 11 million people targeted by scammers who pose as romantic partners to steal money or encourage risky cryptocurrency investments, particularly affecting adults ages 50-64. The FBI and local law enforcement have begun cracking down on these schemes, including prosecuting a Marietta man who used fake identities to defraud multiple victims. To protect yourself, be cautious about online romantic connections asking for money or investment opportunities, verify the identity of online contacts through video calls, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mb.ntd.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI warned dating app users ahead of Valentine's Day about romance scams, where criminals build fake relationships to eventually ask victims for money, often claiming to work in construction outside the U.S. to justify avoiding in-person meetings. Victims—including elderly people—have lost over $1.12 billion to these scams in 2023 alone, with a median loss of $2,000 per person. To protect yourself, avoid sharing bank account information with online dating contacts and be suspicious of anyone who quickly proposes marriage, claims emergencies requiring money, or refuses to meet in person.
press-herald.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know
Romance scams have surged dramatically, with IRS Criminal Investigation cases more than tripling in the past year, particularly targeting older Americans and vulnerable individuals seeking connection. Victims often lose significant portions of their life savings or retirement funds through criminals posing as romantic partners on dating sites and social media, sometimes also using compromising photos for blackmail. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to requests for money, never send compromising photos to people you haven't met in person, verify identities through video calls, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
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.
fox2detroit.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams are surging online, with over 65,000 reported cases in 2024 resulting in $1.1 billion in losses, though actual numbers are likely much higher due to victim embarrassment. Scammers use manipulation techniques like "love bombing" and "mirroring"—pretending to share victims' interests and values to build fake intimacy—before pressuring them for money, with some victims losing over $1 million. To protect yourself, be cautious about moving conversations off dating platforms quickly, never share personal financial information with people you haven't met in person, and watch for red flags like rapid declarations of love or requests for money.
6abc.com
· 2026-02-12
As Valentine's Day approaches, cybersecurity experts warn that romance scams are spiking, with criminals building fake emotional connections with victims before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like medical crises or military-related expenses. People should watch for red flags such as scammers avoiding video calls, pressuring conversations to private messaging apps, or quickly asking for money, and they should never send funds to someone they haven't met in person. Experts advise stepping back and consulting trusted friends if someone requests money, and applying the same skepticism to suspicious online shopping deals that seem too good to be true.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams on Dating Apps and Social Media
Scammers are increasingly targeting people through dating apps and social media by building fake relationships and manipulating victims into sending money for fabricated emergencies, travel, or investment opportunities—often using realistic AI-generated photos and videos. The Federal Trade Commission reported $12.5 billion in losses from investment-related scams in 2024, with romance scams ranking among the most serious threats nationwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. To protect yourself, be wary of online contacts who rush relationships, request money for emergencies, lack a verifiable digital presence, and consider using reverse image searches to verify profiles before sharing personal or financial information.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Warning for Valentine's Day
As Valentine's Day approaches, the Better Business Bureau is warning people about romance scams that exploit trust through dating apps and social media, with scammers increasingly using AI and deepfakes to appear more convincing. Senior citizens are typically targeted, with fraudsters manipulating victims into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency after building fake relationships online. To protect yourself, be suspicious of anyone asking for money upfront, verify video calls look natural (watching for unnatural blinking, odd lighting, or strange movements), and insist on meeting in person before engaging romantically or financially with online contacts.
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.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2026-02-12
A Chinese national named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73.6 million cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that defrauded thousands of victims globally. The scam used multiple tactics including romance baiting (building fake relationships on social media and dating apps) and fake tech support calls to trick victims into depositing money into fraudulent crypto trading platforms. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers online asking you to invest in cryptocurrency, verify the legitimacy of websites before entering financial information, and remember that legitimate companies will never pressure you to wire money to fix computer problems.
pintu.co.id
· 2026-02-12
A 42-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a US federal court for orchestrating a cryptocurrency investment scam that defrauded investors of approximately $73 million. Daren Li, a dual citizen of China and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was convicted in absentia after removing an electronic monitoring device and fleeing. The case highlights the serious risks in cryptocurrency investments and the commitment of US law enforcement to prosecute large-scale fraud, serving as a reminder for investors to be cautious about crypto investment opportunities and to verify the legitimacy of platforms and operators before committing funds.
natlawreview.com
· 2026-02-12
The U.S. government seized nearly $15 billion worth of Bitcoin from the Prince Group in October 2025 as part of a fraud investigation, but the cryptocurrency's value has since plummeted to around $9 billion, resulting in a $6 billion loss in potential value. The Bitcoin seizure is tied to charges against Cambodia-based businessman Chen Zhi, who allegedly operated elaborate "pig butchering" investment scams that defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars through fake cryptocurrency schemes. Victims of the fraud are waiting for the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings while the government holds the seized assets, which continue to fluctuate in value with the volatile cryptocurrency market.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-12
The U.S. government seized approximately $15 billion in Bitcoin from the Prince Group in October 2025 as part of a major fraud case involving "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams that victimized people worldwide, but the assets have lost about $6 billion in value due to Bitcoin's price decline while remaining frozen during ongoing legal proceedings. Victims are concerned about recovering their money as the case drags on, since market volatility and slow litigation could further erode the frozen assets. This case highlights the risks victims face when authorities seize digital assets—while asset forfeiture is a legitimate law enforcement tool, the lengthy legal process and cryptocurrency price swings leave fraud victims uncertain and potentially unable to recover their full losses.
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.
wral.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scam Alert
In 2024, over 519 North Carolinians fell victim to romance scams, where criminals pose as potential romantic partners to manipulate victims into sending money. The FBI warns that these scams are particularly prevalent around Valentine's Day, with real cases documented in Wake County and beyond. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly profess love, avoid sending money to people you've never met in person, and verify identities through video calls before engaging emotionally or financially.
portal.ct.gov
· 2026-02-12
Romance scammers build fake online relationships over weeks or months to gain trust, then pressure victims to send money for travel, visas, or other expenses before disappearing. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection reported cases where victims lost thousands of dollars to scammers claiming to be unable to meet in person due to distance or financial hardship. To protect yourself, trust your instincts if something feels off, avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, and consult trusted friends or family before making any financial decisions.
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.
wtoc.com
· 2026-02-12
# Romance Scams Surge as Valentine's Day Approaches
The IRS Criminal Investigation division is warning Americans about a dramatic surge in romance scams, which have tripled in the past year and particularly target older adults and people seeking relationships through dating apps and social media. Scammers create fake profiles to build emotional connections before requesting money or pressuring victims into sending compromising photos for blackmail, often resulting in victims losing their life savings or retirement funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to requests for money, verify profiles independently, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 if you're 60 or older.
katc.com
· 2026-02-12
The IRS is warning about romance scams, which have surged dramatically and often devastate older Americans and lonely individuals who lose money to criminals posing as romantic partners online. Scammers typically create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build emotional connections before requesting money, or they extort victims using compromising photos. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspected fraud to authorities—seniors can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
law360.com
· 2026-02-11
A fugitive was sentenced to 20 years in prison for running a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded victims of $73 million. This type of scam typically involves fraudsters building trust with victims over time before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
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.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-11
A U.S. court sentenced crypto scam organizer Daren Li to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million global fraud scheme that targeted American victims through social media and fake dating apps, though he fled electronic monitoring in December and remains at large. The scam, known as "pig butchering," used fake relationships and counterfeit crypto platforms to trick victims into sending money, with criminals exploiting cryptocurrency's ability to quickly move and hide stolen funds. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers online, especially from people building romantic or trust-based relationships, and verify that crypto platforms are legitimate before depositing any money.
therecord.media
· 2026-02-11
A Chinese cryptocurrency scammer named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a U.S. federal court for laundering $73.6 million stolen from Americans through "pig butchering" romance and investment scams orchestrated from Cambodia, though he fled the country by cutting off his ankle monitor before the sentencing could be carried out in person. The scam operation involved criminals posing as romantic interests or investment advisors to trick victims into sending money that was then funneled through shell companies. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic connections online or unsolicited investment opportunities, especially from people you've never met in person, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
yellow.com
· 2026-02-11
A federal judge sentenced Daren Li, a 42-year-old fugitive, to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme that targeted American victims through Cambodia-based scam operations. The scammers used social engineering tactics—including romance fraud, fake investment platforms, and impersonation—to deceive victims into sending money through spoofed cryptocurrency websites and shell companies. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, verify the legitimacy of trading platforms directly through official websites, and never send money to fix computer problems you didn't request.
saltwire.com
· 2026-02-11
Seniors are vulnerable to various forms of abuse including financial scams, romance schemes, and digital manipulation, with financial abuse by adult children being the most common type encountered by support organizations. According to Trishe Colman, program director for Kings Seniors' Safety in Nova Scotia, elder abuse can affect anyone but is more likely when there's isolation, dependence, or opportunity for power abuse. To protect themselves, seniors are advised to establish a power of attorney with someone they trust and connect with community organizations that provide free resources and safeguards like helping set up secure bank accounts.
usaherald.com
· 2026-02-11
# Fraud Summary
An elderly retired anesthesiologist in his 80s lost over $8 million to "pig butchering" scams—a romance-based fraud where victims are gradually manipulated into sending money—after being groomed by a scammer posing as "Jessica Li" on Facebook starting in 2021. HSBC's U.S. banking arm is being sued for allegedly ignoring red flags such as large, frequent wire transfers and the customer's advanced age, even after he switched banks when his previous institution restricted his account. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment offers from online contacts, never share banking credentials or identification documents with people you've only met online, and alert your bank if you notice unusual activity on your accounts or feel pressured to make large transfers.
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.
mashable.com
· 2026-02-11
A new survey found that 64 percent of people have received suspicious messages or calls impersonating someone they know, with scammers often pretending to be former romantic partners or close friends and successfully convincing nearly half of victims they were genuine for days or longer. These "romance scams" and similar schemes are particularly effective because they exploit emotional vulnerabilities, especially targeting people going through breakups, relocations, or isolation. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected requests for money or personal information from contacts—even if they seem to know details about your life—and verify requests through alternative communication methods before responding.
abc30.com
· 2026-02-11
Recent AARP research reveals that nearly one in ten adults age 50 and older have been targeted by online romance scams, where criminals build fake emotional relationships to exploit victims financially. These scams are particularly effective because they prey on personal connections and trust, making them especially harmful to older adults. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic interests who quickly profess deep feelings, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, and verify someone's identity through video chat before developing a serious connection.
abc30.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scam Summary
Online romance scams target vulnerable adults, with nearly one in 10 people over age 50 falling victim to these personal schemes where scammers build fake romantic relationships to steal money. To protect yourself, be suspicious of new online relationships that quickly ask for money or personal information, verify the person's identity through video calls, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person. If you suspect you're being scammed, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission and local authorities.
walb.com
· 2026-02-11
Romance scams, where fraudsters pose as potential romantic partners to extract money, are one of the fastest-growing online scams affecting millions worldwide, with Americans losing over $1 billion in 2023 alone and seniors over 60 being particularly vulnerable. Scammers use tactics like AI-generated deepfakes and slow relationship-building over months to establish trust before requesting money for emergencies or investments, with victims losing an average of $83,000. To protect yourself, move slowly in online relationships, keep accounts private, verify profile photos through reverse image searches, and always discuss new online connections with trusted friends or family before sharing personal information or money.
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.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-11
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams have become widespread in online dating, with one in four Americans encountering fake profiles or AI-generated bots, and 16% reporting they've actually been scammed. Men are disproportionately affected, with those aged 35-44 losing the most money (some losses exceed $5,000), while scammers use AI chatbots, fake photos, and QR code links to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information. To protect yourself, be wary of profiles without photos, suspicious requests for money or financial details, and unsolicited messages asking you to click links or scan QR codes—especially if the person quickly builds emotional trust before requesting funds.
wtae.com
· 2026-02-11
The FBI is warning of a surge in romance scams targeting people around Valentine's Day, when loneliness makes people more vulnerable to online fraudsters who pose as potential romantic partners and gradually build trust before requesting money or exploiting victims through sextortion. These scams can affect people of all ages, from adults manipulated into fake investment opportunities to younger individuals pressured to send money or intimate photos. To protect yourself, verify the true identity of people you meet online before sharing personal information or money, and report any suspected romance scams to local law enforcement or the FBI immediately.
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.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-02-10
A major international cryptocurrency scam called "pig butchering" defrauded victims of over $73 million, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence for one of its operators, Daren Li, who fled before sentencing. In these scams, criminals build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before tricking them into fake investment schemes and stealing their cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from people you've met online, never send money to unknown individuals regardless of promised returns, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before participating.
financemagnates.com
· 2026-02-10
"Pig butchering" romance scams—where criminals pose as romantic interests to trick people into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes—cost Americans $10 billion in the past year, with individual victims losing an average of $150,000 each. The CFTC and over 20 federal and state agencies launched a coordinated "DatingOrDefrauding?" campaign around Valentine's Day to combat the fraud, which is perpetrated primarily by foreign criminals in Southeast Asia using AI-generated messages and encrypted apps to avoid detection. To protect yourself, authorities advise being cautious of romantic connections who encourage investment in cryptocurrency, verifying investment opportunities through U.S.-regulated intermediaries, and warning friends and family about this growing scam.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance Scam Alert: $10 Billion Threat
The CFTC has launched a coordinated national campaign against "pig butchering" romance scams, which bilked Americans of an estimated $10 billion in the past year—a 66% increase from the previous year. These scams, primarily operated by criminal networks in Southeast Asia, target dating app and social media users by building fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency or other schemes, with individual victims losing an average of $150,000 or more. To protect yourself and loved ones, the CFTC advises being suspicious of romantic interests who push investment opportunities, verifying contacts through trusted channels, and only using U.S.-regulated platforms for financial transactions and cryptocurrency storage.
kxan.com
· 2026-02-10
# Romance and confidence scams are surging in Austin, with people over 50 losing approximately $19 million in 2025 alone, according to new FBI data—making the area a hotspot for fraudsters who specifically target older adults for their accumulated wealth and perceived lack of cybersecurity awareness. The scams typically involve elaborate trust-building schemes on dating sites and social media, where criminals pose as successful investors or romantic interests to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, the FBI advises remaining cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to financial matters, never sending money to people you've only met online, and verifying any investment opportunities through independent sources before committing funds.