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courant.com
Meta Platforms warned users ahead of Valentine's Day about romance scams targeting people through Facebook, Instagram, and text messages, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with military, medical, or business backgrounds and use stolen or AI-generated photos to build trust before requesting money for emergencies or cryptocurrency investments. Meta recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and fake matchmaking agencies targeting vulnerable populations, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake celebrity accounts. Users are advised to verify stranger identities through reverse image searches, check account creation dates, and remain skeptical of any requests for money via gift cards or payment apps.
santander.co.uk
Santander bank data reveals that customers lost nearly £8 million to romance and friendship scams in 2024, with nearly half of cases originating on social media platforms like Facebook (£1.3+ million in losses). Victims ranged from ages 19 to 96, though the largest concentration was 19–35-year-olds with 77% being male, and February saw particularly high losses of £800,000 including one case of £262,000. The bank warns of common warning signs including requests for money from unmet contacts, avoidance of video calls, and pressure to keep relationships secret, and recommends verifying identities, removing emotion from financial decisions,
hellorayo.co.uk
A Cheshire woman in her 60s lost over £50,000 to a romance scammer who posed as "Derek," a man she met in a Facebook widows' group in 2020 and never met in person. The scammer manipulated her with fake photos and fabricated stories about medical bills and business expenses, eventually convincing her to withdraw her entire pension and invest in cryptocurrency accounts. UK banking data from 2024 shows romance scams resulted in nearly £8 million in losses, with an average scam totaling £5,009, and victims ranging from 19 to 96 years old.
bbc.com
More than 250 foreign workers from 20 nationalities were freed from telecom fraud centres operating in Myanmar's Karen State by an ethnic armed group and transferred to Thailand, where they are being assessed for human trafficking. The workers had been lured or coerced into conducting online scams including "pig butchering" romance frauds, cryptocurrency schemes, and money laundering, with some reportedly tortured and held for ransom by their employers. Thailand and China have increased pressure on armed groups controlling the border region to shut down these operations by cutting power and fuel access and tightening banking and visa rules.
socialmediatoday.com
Meta released Valentine's Day safety reminders about romance scams, which cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023. Romance scammers typically pose as attractive, successful individuals (often claiming military or business backgrounds) on dating apps and social media, building trust before requesting money or promoting fraudulent investments. Meta is expanding in-app warnings and partnering with third-party organizations to detect and disrupt romance scam operations, including those impersonating U.S. military members and fake dating agencies.
apnews.com
Meta Platforms is warning users about romance scams on Instagram and Facebook, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with military, medical, or business backgrounds to build trust before requesting money or cryptocurrency investments. The company recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and fake matchmaking agencies targeting people in Africa, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake profiles. Users are advised to verify strangers' identities through account creation dates and reverse image searches, and to be skeptical of any requests for money or gift cards.
blog.ssa.gov
The PACT Act expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, but scammers have exploited this by impersonating VA employees and offering to help veterans access benefits for illegal fees. The article provides seven protective strategies, including verifying company credentials, avoiding pressure tactics and unrealistic promises, being cautious of phishing attempts and unsecured websites, limiting social media sharing, and recognizing red flags in communications such as non-.gov email addresses and spelling errors.
cnbc.com
Cryptocurrency fraud reached record levels in 2024, with scam wallets receiving an estimated $9.9-$12.4 billion, driven largely by a 40% surge in "pig butchering" romance scams where criminals build fake relationships to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. Scammers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and organized platforms like Huione Guarantee (which received $375.9 million in crypto in 2024) while expanding geographically from Southeast Asian compounds to locations like Nigeria, often employing human trafficking victims to conduct the fraud. The report warns that the scam ecosystem is becoming more professionalized, with criminal groups creating specialize
moodys.com
Moody's identified 1,193 new entities and people globally with potential ties to romance scams in 2024, marking a six-year high and 14% increase from 2023. Romance scammers build fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money or financial information, with older adults and emotionally vulnerable individuals (such as those experiencing divorce or grief) being particularly targeted. Financial institutions must strengthen their anti-fraud screening processes using advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, robust anti-money laundering protocols, and cross-sector collaboration with regulators and law enforcement to detect and prevent these schemes.
fbi.gov
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office warned the public about romance scams, in which criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims on dating sites and social media before requesting money under false pretenses. In 2023, approximately 18,000 victims nationwide reported nearly $700 million in losses to romance scams, with over 2,000 California victims alone losing more than $100 million, and scammers particularly targeting women over 40 who are widowed, divorced, elderly, or disabled. The FBI recommends verifying online contacts through photo searches, being cautious of quick declarations of love or requests to go offline, and never sending money to people met only online.
news.illinoisstate.edu
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to launch sophisticated phishing and romance scams targeting university students, faculty, and staff, particularly around Valentine's Day. AI-generated deepfake videos, voice cloning, and realistic fake profiles make these scams harder to detect than traditional fraud, as attackers can now personalize messages by mimicking authentic university communications and creating convincing long-term online relationships. Universities face significant challenges in defending against these evolving threats, with particular vulnerability among international students, new students, and those with access to financial systems or sensitive data.
businesswire.com
Sextortion has emerged as one of the most devastating romance scams, with fraudsters using fake profiles to manipulate victims into sharing intimate content before threatening exposure and demanding ransom payments. The FBI reported over 12,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in millions in financial losses, severe psychological trauma, and in some cases fatalities, with younger and newer online daters being particularly vulnerable. The article recommends that social media and dating platforms implement stronger identity verification measures, including biometric and government ID verification, to eliminate fake profiles and make it harder for scammers to operate across multiple platforms.
cbs7.com
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities to build trust with victims online before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The agencies advise people to avoid sending money to online contacts they haven't met in person, watch for inconsistencies in profiles, be wary of relationships that escalate quickly, and report suspected scams immediately.
azag.gov
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, which target tens of thousands of Arizonans through dating apps, dating sites, and social media platforms. Scammers create fake profiles to build trust with victims before requesting money through lies about emergencies, sick relatives, military service, or investment opportunities. The advisory provides warning signs—such as quick declarations of love, requests for wire transfers or gift cards, and broken plans to meet in person—and recommends victims avoid sending money to strangers, verify stories with loved ones, and file complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center or Arizona Attorney General's office if victimized.
democratandchronicle.com
New York residents lost over $25 million to romance scams in 2024, with scammers targeting singles—particularly older adults who are widows, widowers, or divorcees—by creating fake profiles and building trust over weeks or months before requesting money for investments, emergencies, or travel. The New York Department of State advises individuals to avoid sending money to people they haven't met in person, never share personal or banking information with online contacts, and be wary of those who make excuses to avoid meeting or request cryptocurrency investments.
local3news.com
Elderly adults aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics tailored to exploit seniors' wealth and vulnerabilities. The most common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, with scammers often using social media and high-pressure tactics to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money. Prevention strategies include staying connected with elderly loved ones, remaining skeptical of online connections, and being aware
wftv.com
Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion in 2023, with organized networks of overseas scammers targeting vulnerable people on dating apps and social media. A central Florida woman lost her entire life savings of over $600,000 to a scammer impersonating Elon Musk using AI voice technology, transferring large sums through wire transfers and ATM withdrawals to purchase gift cards. Red flags include relationships that move quickly, no in-person meetings, claims of celebrity or military status, and requests for money or investment participation; victims should report incidents to the FBI's IC3 website and the FTC.
cointelegraph.com
The FBI's "Operation Level Up" notified over 4,300 individuals of cryptocurrency investment fraud between January 2024 and January 2025, preventing approximately $285 million in losses through interventions in romance scams and "pig butchering" schemes. The operation highlights a growing threat, as Americans lost over $5 billion to crypto fraud in 2023, with elderly individuals particularly targeted, and experts warn that scams could surge in 2025 due to advances in artificial intelligence.
rnz.co.nz
Romance scams increase around Valentine's Day, targeting vulnerable individuals across all demographics who may be emotionally invested in fake relationships created by sophisticated scammers using fabricated social media profiles and forged documents. Common warning signs include rapid declarations of love, refusal to meet in person or video call, requests for secrecy, and requests for money or to receive funds on their behalf. The best defenses are to avoid keeping relationships secret, verify identities through reverse image searches, consult trusted friends and family who can spot red flags, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
cronkitenews.azpbs.org
Arizona experienced over $47 million in losses from online romance scams during 2022-2023, ranking fifth nationally, with elderly residents particularly targeted by scammers who build false relationships to extract money. Common tactics include professing instant love, moving conversations off dating platforms to private channels, refusing to share photos, and requesting money—sometimes stringing victims along for extended periods. Authorities warn that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create convincing false identities, and many victims remain unreported due to embarrassment.
wilmingtonbiz.com
This educational article outlines common financial scams targeting seniors and the general public, including phishing, investment fraud, imposter scams (grandparent and IRS varieties), computer scams, romance scams, lottery schemes, charity fraud, and fake debt relief services. The article provides red flags and warning signs for each scam type, such as urgent requests, unsolicited offers, promises of guaranteed returns, and requests for upfront payments. Key protective measures include awareness of common scam tactics, verification of organizations before sharing information, and skepticism toward unsolicited offers or high-pressure requests.
9news.com.au
An Australian woman's mother fell victim to a romance scam in 2022-2023 when she developed an online relationship with a man using stolen photos and a fabricated identity, eventually sending him money despite never admitting the full extent of financial loss. The incident prompted her daughter Kylee to found Two Face Investigations to investigate romance scams, revealing that the industry is highly sophisticated, transnational organized crime involving AI-generated deepfakes, stolen identities, and networks of scammers sharing tactics and manuals. Kylee emphasizes that victims often delay reporting due to shame and embarrassment, which hinders law enforcement efforts, and that dating apps lack the fraud protections that banks and telecommunications
securityboulevard.com
In 2024, cybercriminals exploited Valentine's Day through romance scams, phishing campaigns, and fraudulent e-commerce offers, with romance scams alone affecting 58,734 Americans and resulting in approximately $697 million in losses. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake profiles, deepfake videos, and chatbots that bypass traditional detection methods, while Valentine-themed phishing emails surged dramatically, with half of all such spam classified as scams between mid-January and early February. Red flags include requests to move conversations to private channels, quick declarations of love, excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and requests for money or personal information.
advisorhub.com
Marjorie Kessler, a senior investor in Tampa, Florida, lost nearly $1.75 million to scammers impersonating government officials who convinced her to withdraw funds for safekeeping in a U.S. Treasury account. Morgan Stanley was ordered to pay $843,000 in compensatory damages for failing to investigate her unusual withdrawal requests and neglecting to establish a trusted contact on her account as required by regulations, though the arbitration panel deducted the first transfer amount due to insufficient evidence of negligence.
myfox28columbus.com
Romance scams resulted in $823 million in losses nationally in 2024, with the FBI recording over 17,800 complaints in 2023 alone; Ohio authorities have investigated eight cases since early 2023. Scammers create fake dating profiles to build trust with victims over weeks or months before introducing fraudulent investment schemes, often targeting older individuals and draining their savings. The Ohio Department of Commerce advises protection measures including avoiding offshore money transfers, verifying identities through reverse image searches, meeting in person when possible, and consulting only licensed investment professionals to confirm credentials.
abc15.com
This educational piece identifies three major Valentine's Day scams to watch: impostor websites that mimic legitimate retailers using fake photos and logos, romance scams where fraudsters build fake dating profiles to extract money after establishing emotional connections, and wrong-number ploys where scammers initiate contact to gather personal information. The article advises consumers to recognize red flags such as unrealistic discounts, requests for cryptocurrency payments, rapid relationship progression, and pressure for secrecy, and recommends reporting suspected fraud to the FTC, FBI, local law enforcement, or the Arizona Attorney General's office.
6abc.com
The FBI is warning about a rise in online romance scams, increasingly enhanced by AI technology, which cost victims over $1 billion in 2023. Scammers typically initiate contact via social media or dating apps, build relationships over months, then request money for emergencies or investments ("pig butchering scams"), using AI-generated images, voices, and messages to appear authentic and evade video calls or in-person meetings. Red flags include requests to move conversations off the original platform and consistent excuses to avoid video verification, with victims urged to report scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
usatoday.com
Kate Kleinert, a 71-year-old widow, lost $39,000 over four months to a romance scammer posing as a UN surgeon named "Tony" who built trust by involving his supposed children and eventually requesting money for medical emergencies and legal bail. Romance scams cost victims $1.14 billion in 2023 across 64,003 reported cases, with scammers using sophisticated psychological manipulation to build emotional investment before exploiting targets for money, often via cryptocurrency which is difficult to recover.
about.fb.com
Romance scammers exploit Valentine's Day and other occasions by impersonating military personnel, celebrities, or fake dating agencies across social media and messaging platforms to build trust with victims before soliciting money via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. A tech company disrupted multiple romance scam networks operating across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and other platforms, with schemes originating from Nigeria and Kenya targeting users in the US, UAE, Japan, Africa, and other regions. The company recommends users verify identities, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and use platform safety tools to protect against these schemes.
abc11.com
As Valentine's Day approaches, scammers are exploiting the holiday with malicious tactics: Check Point Software identified over 18,000 Valentine's-themed websites since early 2025, with approximately 1 in 72 being malicious, including phishing emails impersonating legitimate brands to steal money and personal information. North Carolina consumers lost over $16 million to romance scams in 2023 alone, with experts warning to verify sender addresses, avoid suspicious links, and reject requests for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards from online romantic interests.
wgal.com
The FBI warns of increased romance scams around Valentine's Day, in which fraudsters build trust with victims through fake personas (sometimes impersonating celebrities) and social media research, then exploit that rapport to solicit money for fake investment opportunities, cryptocurrency schemes, or fabricated emergencies like medical bills or travel costs. The agency advises protecting yourself by limiting personal information shared online, using reputable dating sites, verifying profiles, taking relationships slowly, avoiding pressure to go offline, and never sending money to online-only contacts, particularly those claiming to be overseas.
engadget.com
Meta has removed over 116,000 accounts in 2025 linked to romance scams where fraudsters impersonate celebrities or U.S. military members to build relationships and solicit payments via gift cards and cryptocurrency. The scams, which cost victims over $500 million in 2021 according to the FTC, often originate in West African countries and operate across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with AI technology making it increasingly easier for scammers to create convincing fake identities and deepfake videos.
aol.com
Romance scams are increasingly targeting younger age groups (people in their 20s and 30s), with reported incidents shifting from primarily affecting those aged 50-59 in 2019 to younger demographics by 2023. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams resulted in $469.9 million in losses across all age groups in 2023, more than double the $229.3 million lost in 2019. Scammers typically build emotional connections through dating sites and social media before requesting money or personal information, and victims should be wary of requests for financial help, unusual stories requiring assistance, and fake profiles or AI-generated images.
states.aarp.org
Romance scams are causing the highest financial losses of all fraud types, with older adults particularly vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and being targeted by scammers who exploit their assumed wealth and lower tech-savviness. Key red flags include fake identities, rapid declarations of love, requests for money via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and pressure to move off public sites and keep the relationship secret. Victims can protect themselves by developing skepticism, researching potential romantic interests thoroughly, taking time before committing emotionally or financially, and reporting incidents to authorities or contacting the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
thefintechtimes.com
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams have caused over $1.14 billion in losses, with victims losing an average of $2,000 each, and criminals are now using AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic identities to make these scams more convincing and personalized. Debbie Fox, a widow seeking companionship, was defrauded of $58,000 by a scammer using a fake identity who posed as a man named Russell and eventually requested money claiming to be in legal trouble. As generative AI becomes mainstream, fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the technology to automate romance scams, phishing attacks, and impersonation schemes, making them harder to
publicnewsservice.org
AARP Arizona warns consumers to be vigilant against romance scams, which target vulnerable individuals seeking companionship through social media and dating apps, with scammers requesting money after building false emotional connections. The organization also cautions against fraudulent tax season text messages impersonating the IRS that attempt to steal personal and financial information, recommending people contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 if they suspect fraud.
local.aarp.org
**Summary:**
Romance scams represent the highest financial loss among all fraud types, with older adults particularly vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and lower tech awareness, according to an AARP presentation by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth. Red flags include scammers misrepresenting their identity, building trust quickly, requesting money via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and pressuring victims to keep the relationship secret. The best defense is skepticism, thorough research of online romantic interests, taking time before committing emotionally or financially, and reporting suspected scams to local authorities or www.ic3.gov.
lynchburgva.gov
Romance scams, also called sweetheart scams, involve fraudsters using dating apps, social media, and gaming platforms to build fake emotional connections with victims, then request money, gifts, or personal information under false pretenses. Scammers declare love quickly to establish trust and create urgency, with requests escalating from small favors to larger sums, often citing reasons they cannot meet in person. Key warning signs include premature declarations of love, requests for money or financial help, and solicitation of personal or financial information.
fox10tv.com
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission launched the "Dating or Defrauding" awareness campaign to warn Americans about relationship investment scams, in which fraudsters use fake dating profiles and text messages to trick victims into converting money to cryptocurrency under the false promise of investment returns. These scams caused reported losses exceeding $4 billion to the FBI in 2023 and target people of all ages, particularly those who live alone or spend significant time on social media. The campaign advises never sending money to people you haven't met in person and recommends reporting suspected fraud through the CFTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
dos.ny.gov
**Romance Scams Warning for Valentine's Day**
New York's Department of Consumer Protection warned residents about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that New Yorkers lost over $25 million to such scams in 2024, with older adults—particularly widows, widowers, and recent divorcees—being commonly targeted. Scammers use fake online profiles and build trust over weeks or months before requesting money for various pretexts, often starting with small amounts and escalating to larger sums. Effective February 19, 2025, a new state law requires online dating platforms to notify users who have been targeted by banned scammers and to delete user
cbs8.com
Romance scams using stolen photos are expected to surge around Valentine's Day 2025, with fraudsters building fake relationships to extract money from victims. The FTC reported Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, with California accounting for $100.6 million in losses across 2,024 victims; scammers now use AI technology to create increasingly convincing deepfakes and video impersonations. Experts recommend using reverse image searches, insisting on video verification, avoiding quick declarations of love, and never sending money to online acquaintances.
wtol.com
Romance and confidence scams are rising in Ohio and nationwide, with fraudsters creating fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build trust before requesting money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or valuable items under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or legal fees. Ohioans lost over $15.3 million to these scams in 2023, while nationwide losses exceeded $652 million in romance fraud complaints and $823 million in 2024, with scammers primarily targeting women over 40 who are divorced, widowed, elderly, or disabled. The FBI and Ohio Department of Commerce advise the public to remain vigilant online, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and verify investment tips through
columbiatribune.com
Romance scammers are increasing their efforts targeting Missourians around Valentine's Day by posing as military personnel, overseas businesspeople, or professionals on dating apps and social media, then requesting money for emergencies or travel under false pretenses. The Missouri Secretary of State warns that these emotionally and financially devastating scams build trust gradually before exploiting victims, and recommends skepticism of quick declarations of love, avoiding money transfers to unmet contacts, conducting reverse image searches, and reporting suspected scams to authorities.
techtimes.com
Romance scams have become increasingly sophisticated with the use of generative AI and deepfake technology, with scammers using AI-crafted personalized messages and realistic videos to deceive victims. Over $46 million has been stolen across Taiwan, Singapore, and India through these scams, which particularly target vulnerable groups including the elderly, former military members, and those seeking financial connections, often through tactics like fake investment schemes ("pig butchering") that build trust over weeks before requesting money. Recovery of stolen funds is extremely difficult, especially with cryptocurrency, and victims are cautioned to verify identities and never send money to people they haven't met in person who request payment.
mynorthwest.com
Seattle Police issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, where perpetrators build fake relationships to trick victims into sending money or personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scam victims lost over $1 billion in 2023 and $800 million in 2024, with older Americans particularly vulnerable; the FBI and SPD recommend using reputable dating sites, moving slowly in relationships, never sending money to online contacts, and reporting suspected scams to authorities immediately.
wktv.com
The U.S. Postal Service warns consumers about romance scams that intensify around Valentine's Day, in which fraudsters create fake online identities to build trust with victims over weeks or months before fabricating financial emergencies and requesting money, gift cards, or checks sent through the mail. These scams cause both financial and emotional harm, with victims often unable to recover their funds once the fraud is discovered. USPS recommends avoiding rapid online relationships without in-person or video contact, never sending money to people you haven't met, and reporting suspicious behavior immediately.
news24.com
Romance scams and cyber threats targeting couples are increasing around Valentine's Day, with 43% of people in committed relationships feeling pressured to share logins and passcodes. The article details cautionary tales like Nkateko Dladla's experience with investment fraud via a dating app, highlighting how scammers use "love-bombing" and social engineering to exploit trust and manipulate victims into financial schemes. Experts recommend couples maintain individual accounts and passwords, avoid sharing sensitive information, use password managers, and prioritize open communication about online safety to protect themselves from these threats.
newsweek.com
The FBI warned of rising romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, build trust quickly, and manipulate victims—sometimes impersonating celebrities or military personnel—to send money or invest in cryptocurrency, with one victim losing $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt. Red flags include requests for money, reluctance to meet in person or video chat, and inconsistent stories; prevention through identity verification and caution about rapidly escalating relationships is the best defense.
click2houston.com
The FBI Houston issued a Valentine's Day safety guide warning about romance scams, in which fraudsters quickly build fake online relationships and eventually request money by claiming emergencies or business expenses abroad. The guide advises potential victims to be cautious about what they share online, verify profiles through reverse image searches, watch for excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and never send money to people they've only met online. Victims are encouraged to cease contact with scammers and report incidents to the FBI immediately.
fox26houston.com
The U.S. Postal Service warns that romance scammers target individuals seeking companionship by creating fake online identities and building trust over weeks or months before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like medical bills or travel expenses. The article provides red flags (such as avoiding video calls, pledging love quickly, and requesting urgent financial help), protective measures (verifying identities through video or reverse image searches, never sending money to strangers), and common scammer tactics to help people avoid losing money through wire transfers, checks, or gift cards that are difficult to recover.