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in Scam Awareness
ago.mo.gov
· 2026-02-18
# Tax Day Scam Warning Summary
As tax season approaches, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning residents about a surge in scams targeting taxpayers through fake emails, texts, phone calls, and websites impersonating government agencies and tax services. Scammers use fear and urgency to pressure people into sharing personal information or making immediate payments, though legitimate tax authorities will never demand payment via email or threaten arrest. To protect yourself, verify messages independently through official channels, never share sensitive information unsolicited, and report suspected scams to Missouri's consumer hotline at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.
thetimes.com
· 2026-02-18
"Pig-butchering" romance scams are costing Americans over $1 billion annually, with scammers creating fake online dating profiles to build emotional trust with victims before asking them to invest money or provide personal financial information. Beth Hyland, a 53-year-old Michigan woman, fell victim to one such scam when she matched with a fake profile on Tinder and developed what she thought was a romantic relationship with someone claiming to be a construction manager. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly profess feelings, avoid sharing financial information with people you've only met online, and verify profiles through reverse image searches or video calls before developing emotional or financial ties.
wwnytv.com
· 2026-02-18
New York's Attorney General has warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media, dating apps, and text messages before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or forex trading schemes. The scammers use fake screenshots, fabricated success stories, and counterfeit investment websites to trick victims into depositing their savings, sometimes causing severe financial damage. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering investment opportunities, verify any investment advisor's credentials through official channels, and never send money to people you only know online—especially if they pressure you to use encrypted messaging apps.
americanbanker.com
· 2026-02-18
New York's Attorney General warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters create fake romantic or professional relationships on social media and dating apps to trick victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms that disappear with their money. The scams are particularly damaging because victims often fall for follow-up "recovery" schemes where new fraudsters promise to return lost funds for a fee, resulting in additional losses. To protect yourself, avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to online strangers, thoroughly research anyone soliciting investments, and watch for red flags like pressure to use encrypted messaging or unfamiliar trading platforms.
decripto.org
· 2026-02-18
Retail customers are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated digital scams like romance scams and "pig butchering," which use emotional manipulation and social engineering to erode victims' rational judgment and convince them to willingly authorize fraudulent transactions. These scams are no longer isolated incidents but a structural trend affecting financial system stability, making them difficult to detect through traditional anti-fraud systems since victims believe they're acting in their own interest. Banks and financial institutions are being forced to rethink their fraud prevention strategies, with customer awareness and education emerging as critical protective measures against these emotionally-manipulative schemes.
fauquier.com
· 2026-02-18
# Romance Scam Summary
Fauquier County authorities are warning of an increase in romance scams after a local man reported being defrauded by someone claiming to be "Angela BillieJo Arnold" in December. Detective Richard Hudson and Captain Kristi Kiernan have been educating seniors on how to recognize and avoid these scams, which typically involve criminals building fake romantic relationships to steal money. People should be cautious of online romantic interests who ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
biometricupdate.com
· 2026-02-18
# Romance Scams and AI Fraud Threaten Online Dating Platforms
Online dating apps are increasingly plagued by AI-generated deepfakes and fake profiles, with 61% of users having encountered bots or scammers and Americans losing over $16 billion to romance scams in 2024. The sophisticated AI tools making these deceptions nearly impossible to detect have left 84% of users saying it's harder to trust potential matches, while some people are turning to AI companions instead of real dating altogether. To protect yourself, users should verify matches through video calls, be cautious of anyone asking for money, and use reputable dating platforms that employ identity verification and fraud detection measures.
mondaq.com
· 2026-02-18
Romance scams cost victims and organizations over $670 million in the US and £106 million in the UK in 2024, with criminals using fake online identities and emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sending money or revealing confidential company information. Employees who fall victim to these scams can inadvertently expose their organizations to financial and data security risks, particularly if they've already exhausted personal finances and are pressured to access company assets or confidential information. Organizations can protect themselves by educating employees about common romance scam tactics like catfishing and sextortion, helping them recognize warning signs before they become victims.
phys.org
· 2026-02-17
Romance scams are increasingly prevalent on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, as well as social media and gaming platforms, where fraudsters build fake relationships to exploit victims financially. While there's no evidence that Valentine's Day specifically triggers more scams, romance fraud increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when people sought emotional connection online. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone quickly asking for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches, avoid sharing personal financial information early, and be skeptical of individuals who seem too perfect or rush emotional intimacy.
decripto.org
· 2026-02-17
A 20-year prison sentence was handed down to Daren Li for operating an international money laundering network that laundered $74 million through "pig butchering" crypto scams, a widespread fraud scheme where scammers pose as investment experts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to build trust with victims before directing them to fake trading platforms that falsely show profits. Li fled before his sentencing in December 2024 and remains a fugitive, highlighting the global nature of this crime. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment advice from strangers on social media, verify that trading platforms are legitimate through official channels, and never deposit money based on promises of guaranteed returns.
newsantaana.com
· 2026-02-17
An Irvine resident lost $40,000 after a scammer sent a fake bank fraud alert text, then called to convince them to withdraw their savings for "protection" and arranged for a courier to collect the cash. The police warn that legitimate banks never ask customers to withdraw money or send it via courier, and they advise people to hang up suspicious calls and verify directly with their bank using the number on their card. If you or an older family member receives similar urgent requests involving cash withdrawal or secrecy, it's a red flag—contact your bank immediately through official channels.
wgal.com
· 2026-02-17
Scammers are using fake warning messages on computers and smartphones that impersonate Apple to trick people into calling fraudulent "tech support" numbers, where they gain remote access to steal personal and financial information. If you fall victim and grant them access, these criminals can encrypt your files with ransomware and demand payment to unlock them. To protect yourself, ignore any unexpected pop-up warnings claiming to be from Apple or other companies, and never call numbers provided in these messages—instead, contact the company directly using the official number on their website.
walb.com
· 2026-02-17
# Scam Vulnerability Summary
Older Americans lost $2.4 billion to scams last year, with those over 70 controlling $53 trillion in wealth and becoming increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. A new study from Florida universities found that vulnerability to scams isn't just about intelligence or cognitive ability—social and emotional factors like loneliness, lack of family connections, and time pressure to make decisions also play critical roles, meaning even educated, sharp seniors can fall victim. To protect yourself, take time before responding to suspicious messages, maintain strong social connections with family and friends, and be cautious of situations that pressure you to decide quickly, especially those involving fake news, deepfakes, or emotional appeals.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-17
A malicious browser extension called NexShield, disguised as a legitimate ad blocker, deliberately crashes Chrome and Edge browsers to trick users into running dangerous commands that infect their computers. The scam falsely claimed to be from the creator of the popular uBlock Origin extension and was promoted through ads before being removed from the Chrome Web Store. To protect yourself, only download extensions from official sources, be skeptical of pop-ups claiming security problems, and never copy-paste commands into your command prompt without verifying their legitimacy.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-17
# Article Summary
A Florida man nearly fell victim to an elaborate pet scam where a fraudster impersonating a police sergeant claimed his missing dog had been hit by a car and needed emergency surgery, even providing a convincing AI-generated photo as "proof." The scammer requested $1,900 through Zelle, but the transaction was flagged as suspicious, and the man discovered his dog was safe at home the next morning. Pet owners should be cautious of unsolicited calls about injured pets, verify information directly with police departments and veterinary clinics using official contact numbers, and remain skeptical of urgent payment requests, especially for large amounts.
aol.com
· 2026-02-17
A Florida man nearly fell victim to an AI-powered pet scam when someone impersonating a police sergeant called claiming his missing dog had been hit by a car and needed $1,900 in emergency surgery, even providing a fake photo of the injured puppy on an operating table. The scammer attempted to pressure the pet owner into sending money via Zelle, but the transaction was flagged and ultimately blocked, and the dog was found safe in the owner's yard the next morning. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unexpected urgent requests for money (even from seemingly legitimate sources), verify claims by contacting organizations directly using official phone numbers, and never send money via digital payment apps to unverified callers—especially when emotions are high.
wgem.com
· 2026-02-16
Romance scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests to extract money, are one of the fastest-growing online scams targeting adults—particularly those over 60—with Americans losing over $1 billion to these schemes in 2023 alone, averaging $83,000 per victim. Red flags include scammers who build trust slowly over months, isolate you from loved ones, claim to live far away, or request money for emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, take your time with new online relationships, keep accounts private, verify profile photos with reverse image searches, and consult trusted friends or family before sharing personal information; if scammed, report to the platform, local police, and the FTC or FBI's internet crime center.
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.
fox59.com
· 2026-02-16
AI-powered scams increased by 300% in 2025, with fraudsters using artificial intelligence to create realistic phishing emails, deepfake videos, voice impersonations, and personalized social engineering schemes targeting unsuspecting victims. These scams affect anyone with an online presence, particularly those who reuse passwords or share information on social media. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages requesting personal information, use unique passwords for each account, and verify requests through independent contact methods before sharing sensitive data or money.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-02-16
Since 2020, nearly 65,000 renters have lost approximately $65 million to rental scams involving fake online listings that appear legitimate and pressure victims to send money and personal information before viewing properties. Scammers copy real listings and use them to collect payments and steal identities, affecting renters across the country. To protect yourself, never pay or share personal information before touring a property in person, verify the landlord's identity, and search the address online to check for the same listing posted at different prices or with different contacts.
chicagotribune.com
· 2026-02-16
A California man named Manpreet Singh was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $595,000 worth of Vizio televisions from a Portage warehouse in December 2024, but he jumped bail and is now a fugitive. Six employees of a transportation company were charged in the scheme, with the accused ringleader facing trial in April 2024, while two other suspects remain at large. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited offers to buy electronics at steep discounts, verify that deliveries arrive at their intended destinations if you're a business, and report suspicious cargo activity to authorities.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-16
Scammers in Los Angeles are using AI-generated photos, videos, and voice messages to create convincing fake romantic relationships and manipulate victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, particularly around Valentine's Day. These "pig butchering" operations are significantly more profitable than traditional romance scams and cost victims billions of dollars globally. To protect yourself, authorities recommend verifying the identities of online contacts, being skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
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.
aol.com
· 2026-02-16
Romance scammers are increasingly tricking Americans into taking out home equity loans against their homes or stealing their personal information to apply for these loans themselves, putting victims at risk of losing their homes if they can't repay. The scammers typically build fake romantic relationships over weeks or months, then claim an emergency to pressure victims into borrowing money, with seniors over 55 being particularly targeted. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, never share personal financial information with people you've only met online, and verify any loan applications you don't remember submitting by contacting your bank directly.
scmp.com
· 2026-02-16
Hong Kong recorded over 43,000 scam cases last year resulting in HK$8.1 billion in losses, with scams comprising nearly half of all reported crimes despite a slight decrease from the previous year. Particularly vulnerable are the elderly and investors, as investment scams surged 30% with average losses jumping to HK$700,000, while concert ticket and employment scams also increased significantly. Police and the public must work together to combat these crimes—residents should stay vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers, while banks and financial institutions need stronger protective measures to prevent fraudsters from accessing victims' money.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scammers Target Home Loans
Romance scammers are increasingly tricking Americans into taking out home equity loans or stealing their personal information to fraudulently obtain these loans, putting victims' homes at risk of foreclosure. The scammers typically build fake romantic relationships online over weeks or months before claiming an emergency and pressuring victims to borrow money against their homes as collateral. To protect yourself, be wary of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, never share personal financial information with people you've only met online, and verify any loan applications directly with your bank.
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.
6abc.com
· 2026-02-15
A 28-year-old Pennsylvania woman was charged with theft after posing as an Eagles Autism Foundation employee on social media and taking over $2,000 from at least five people by selling them discounted game tickets that were never delivered. Victims were contacted through social media or mutual friends and made payments via Apple Pay, receiving fake follow-up emails claiming the tickets would be released through a portal. To protect yourself, verify ticket purchases directly through official team or organization websites, avoid buying from unofficial social media accounts, and be skeptical of unsolicited ticket offers—especially ones claiming to support a charity.
ncdoj.gov
· 2026-02-15
Sweetheart scammers use fake profiles on dating sites and social media platforms like Tinder, Facebook, and Match to build trust with victims before asking for money or personal information. Anyone looking for romance or friendship online should verify identities, avoid sharing personal data with strangers, and be suspicious if someone requests money for emergencies or cryptocurrency investments. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your state's attorney general office.
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.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-02-15
Romance scammers are increasingly targeting people on dating apps and social media, particularly around Valentine's Day, with the FBI reporting nearly $390 million lost to these scams in a single year. One victim in her 80s lost approximately $300,000 over five years after meeting a man through an online gaming app who professed his love and repeatedly asked for money via gift cards. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online relationships that quickly turn romantic, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to authorities—victims and their families should also consider reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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.
fxdailyreport.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scams in Crypto
The U.S. SEC has warned of a growing trend of "romance scams" or "pig butchering" schemes where fraudsters pose as romantic interests or financial advisors through online messages to build trust with victims before pressuring them to invest in cryptocurrency and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). These sophisticated, long-term cons exploit emotional connections to extract significant sums of money from unsuspecting people. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers offering investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of anyone offering financial advice, and remember that legitimate financial advisors won't develop romantic relationships with clients to build trust.
insidehalton.com
· 2026-02-15
# Valentine's Day Scam Alert Summary
Ontario residents are being warned about dating scams targeting people using online dating apps this Valentine's Day season, with digital security experts and local law enforcement actively alerting the public to protect themselves while using dating platforms. The scams typically involve fraudsters building romantic connections with victims to extract money or personal information. To stay safe, users should verify profiles carefully, avoid sharing financial details with new matches, and be cautious of anyone quickly professing feelings or asking for money.
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.
fincen.gov
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams—where fraudsters build fake relationships to trick victims into investing money—are a growing threat that financial institutions need to watch for and report to authorities. The U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is urging banks to file suspicious activity reports and maintain strong compliance programs to help law enforcement catch these criminals. If you're approached online by someone encouraging you to invest money, verify their identity through independent channels and be cautious about sending funds to new contacts, no matter how trustworthy they seem.
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.
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.
audacy.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scam Summary
Americans lost over $672 million to romance scams in 2024, with scammers targeting vulnerable people on dating apps and social media by building false trust and emotional connections before stealing personal information and money. The scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and affect people of all ages, with victims often experiencing both financial and emotional devastation, particularly during holidays like Valentine's Day when people are seeking companionship. To protect yourself, be cautious of strangers on dating apps and social media who quickly build emotional connections, never share personal information with people you haven't met in person, and be especially wary if someone asks for money or 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.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scams Surge During Valentine's Day
Romance scams are experiencing record highs, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics like deepfakes and impersonation to manipulate lonely people into sending money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Victims are often lured into private messaging platforms where scammers request funds for family emergencies or visits, exploiting shame and embarrassment to prevent reporting. To protect yourself, avoid sharing financial information with online romantic interests, be wary if conversations quickly shift to money requests, insist on in-person meetings, and report any scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance and Confidence Scams Warning
As Valentine's Day approaches, Operation Senior Shield warns of romance and confidence scams where fraudsters build trust with victims through online relationships or social networks, then manipulate them into sending money or sharing personal information over weeks or months. These scams often involve urgent requests for financial help, overly sympathetic stories, and pressure to act quickly without verification. To protect yourself, verify any financial requests independently, be cautious of people who quickly ask for money, and discuss suspicious requests with trusted friends or family before responding—if you suspect a scam, report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873), the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311), or the IC3 at complaint.ic3.gov.