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fox26houston.com
Romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with cybersecurity experts warning of a rise in AI-deepfake-assisted schemes, particularly around Valentine's Day; McAfee blocked over 321,000 malicious romance-related URLs between December 2024 and January 2025, and one victim in France lost $850,000 to a scammer using deepfake images of Brad Pitt who posed as the actor over 18 months. Texas ranks third nationally for romance scam losses at over $114 million from 2022-2023, and experts advise being cautious of suspicious online profiles, overly quick declarations of love, requests for money, and fake Valentine's shopping ads with
cftc.gov
The CFTC and multiple federal, state, and nonprofit organizations launched the "Dating or Defrauding?" awareness campaign to alert Americans to relationship investment scams, which caused nearly $4 billion in reported losses to the FBI in 2023. These scams, also called "pig butchering," use fake profiles on dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to build false relationships and convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency or trading platforms. The campaign identifies red flags including requests for payment, inability to meet in person, and pressure to move conversations to encrypted apps, urging the public to be skeptical and share warnings with friends and family.
spdblotter.seattle.gov
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion in 2023 and $800 million in 2024, with scammers using fake personas and social media information to build trust before requesting money, cryptocurrency, or personal information. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, with seniors losing an estimated $28.3 billion annually to financial exploitation. The FBI recommends verifying online identities, taking relationships slowly, never sending money to online-only contacts, and remaining cautious of requests to move communication offline or claims of overseas emergencies.
wcnc.com
Romance scams have surged significantly, with BBB reporting a 13% increase in 2021 and more than double the cases in early 2022 compared to the prior year. Scammers create fake dating profiles using stolen photos and fabricate elaborate backstories (often claiming military or overseas work) to build fake relationships, eventually requesting money with increasingly persistent demands. The BBB advises potential dating app users to watch for red flags such as reluctance to meet in person, rapid declarations of love, requests to move off dating platforms, suspicious language patterns, and hard luck stories before money requests are made.
cullmantimes.com
This educational piece from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns about romance scams, which exploit people seeking companionship by building trust online before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards. The article outlines how scammers create fake identities and fabricate emergencies to solicit funds, and provides protective measures including avoiding rapid online relationships, verifying identities through in-person meetings, and never sending money to strangers. Victims are advised to report scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
recordnet.com
Romance scammers intensify their tactics around Valentine's Day, using social media research and emotional manipulation to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers employ various schemes including fabricated emergencies (medical bills, travel costs, equipment damage) and increasingly sophisticated methods like Bitcoin transactions, while also resorting to blackmail and threats. Experts advise vigilance across all communication channels and recommend contacting local law enforcement if victimized, noting that while elderly individuals were traditionally targeted, younger people are now also vulnerable to these evolving scams.
businesswire.com
Romance scams targeting older Americans have surged, with fraudsters impersonating celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, Sandra Bullock, and Ryan Reynolds to build fake emotional relationships and extract money. Charlie, a banking service for seniors, released this data to raise awareness that scammers exploit lonely older adults through online dating sites and social media, fabricating crises to pressure victims into sending money—with one victim losing over $800,000 in a Brad Pitt impersonation scam. Seniors can protect themselves by recognizing warning signs including rapid professions of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, fabricated emergencies, and requests for
finance.yahoo.com
Romance scams targeting older Americans have surged, with fraudsters impersonating celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, and Sandra Bullock to build fake emotional relationships and extract money. The scams exploit loneliness among seniors, with victims losing an average of $35,000 each, as demonstrated by a recent case where someone lost over $800,000 in a Brad Pitt impersonation scam. Charlie, a banking service for Americans 62+, released this data to educate seniors on red flags including rapid professions of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, fabricated emergencies, and requests for secrecy.
kauainownews.com
The County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs, in partnership with multiple state agencies through Kupuna Alert Partners, is hosting a free fraud and scam prevention presentation to address a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, particularly romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day. Romance scams involve criminals creating fake online identities to build trust with victims over weeks or months before soliciting money through fabricated emergencies, often requesting payment via mail, wire transfers, or gift cards. The presentation will cover Medicare fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, and prescription drug misuse prevention, with the U.S. Postal Service emphasizing caution against online relationships that escalate quickly and recommending victims never
ice.gov
Romance scams are confidence schemes where perpetrators build trust with victims to extract money through false pretenses. Nearly 70,000 Americans reported being victims in 2022, with older adults losing approximately $240 million that year; scammers commonly use red flags such as claims of foreign locations, requests for video call avoidance, inconsistent stories, and demands for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Protection strategies include remaining suspicious of unsolicited contact, verifying identities through independent means, and never sharing personal information or sending money to online contacts, particularly those who quickly profess love or request alternative communication platforms.
kktv.com
The United States Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, which typically begin online and escalate to requests for money or valuables sent through the mail. One Colorado victim lost $500,000 to a romance scammer posing as an investment partner in a cryptocurrency scheme. The agencies recommend being cautious of relationships that escalate quickly, avoiding video calls, never sending money to people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspected scams immediately.
theedgemalaysia.com
A cybercriminal group earned US$46 million from deepfake romance scams targeting men across Asia, including cases like an 80-year-old Malaysian widow losing RM30,000 to an AI-generated video mimicking a Chinese celebrity. In 2024, Malaysians lost US$12.8 billion to scams overall, with deepfake technology making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine online dating profiles despite facial verification features. The article advises victims to avoid unverified investment advice from online contacts, refrain from sharing personal information early in conversations, and limit location sharing to protect against emotional manipulation and physical safety threats.
wmtv15news.com
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about several Valentine's Day scams targeting the $26 billion expected spending for the holiday, including fake websites offering unrealistically low prices on jewelry and goods, romance scams where fraudsters build emotional connections before requesting money, wrong-number text scams designed to extract personal information, and fake florist websites that either never deliver flowers or make unauthorized charges. To protect themselves, consumers should watch for red flags such as suspiciously low prices, requests for cryptocurrency or cash transfers, pressure to meet quickly in romance situations, and unverified sellers, and should verify websites are legitimate and use secure payment methods.
nwaonline.com
Arvest Bank issued a warning to customers about increased romance scam activity around Valentine's Day, when criminals target victims by exploiting romantic feelings to steal money. Romance scams are a particular threat during this holiday period as fraudsters seek to manipulate individuals into financial transfers.
nationwidemediacentre.co.uk
Nationwide research found that 41% of singles seek love online, with 36% admitting to white lies on dating profiles, while only 11% feel confident spotting romance scams where criminals use fake identities to extract money. The research reveals that 27% of online daters have been contacted by imposters and 46% would ignore red flags, with scammers particularly exploiting vulnerable individuals around Valentine's Day when 24% feel pressured to have a date and 29% report loneliness. Nationwide advises caution against suspicious profiles, "love bombing," unverified photos, requests for money, and recommends reporting suspicious activity to protect against romance fraud.
2news.com
Romance scams surge around Valentine's Day, targeting lonely individuals seeking companionship through fake online identities and stolen photos. Scammers cultivate trust over weeks or months before fabricating urgent financial needs to extract money or valuables from victims. The USPS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service advise caution with rapidly escalating online relationships, verification of inconsistencies in profiles, avoiding financial disclosures to unmet contacts, and immediate reporting of suspected scams.
nationthailand.com
The government has issued a Valentine's Day warning about eight common romance scams that increase in February, cautioning the public against clicking suspicious links, downloading questionable apps, and using unreputable online retailers. Romance scammers typically build trust with victims before manipulating them into money transfers, and authorities urge people to report suspected scams to relevant officials.
theadanews.com
Arvest Bank warns consumers about romance scams intensifying ahead of Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money or providing financial access. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2022, with median losses per person of $2,000 and a maximum reported loss of any imposter scam. The bank recommends never sending money to online contacts, verifying profiles through reverse image searches, and reporting suspected scams to dating platforms or banks immediately.
yahoo.com
The U.S. Postal Service warns consumers about romance scams that develop over months, in which scammers cultivate trust through social media and dating apps before creating fake financial emergencies to solicit money from victims. Once detected, these scams are difficult to recover from and leave victims with significant financial and emotional losses. Consumers should avoid sending money to people they've never met in person, especially those who avoid video calls or request secrecy, and should report suspected romance scams to the United States Postal Inspection Service.
nbcmontana.com
The USPS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warn consumers about romance scams that increase around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before fabricating urgent financial needs and requesting money, checks, or gift cards be sent through the mail. To protect themselves, individuals should avoid online relationships that progress quickly, verify inconsistencies in profiles, never send money to people they haven't met in person, and report suspected scams immediately.
whsv.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that "sugar daddy" and "sugar mommy" romance scams increase around Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as wealthy individuals offering victims weekly allowances of hundreds or thousands of dollars in exchange for completing "favors" like purchasing gift cards or paying bills. The scammers typically overpay victims using fraudulent checks or peer-to-peer payment services, and when the payment is reversed, victims are left liable for the money they spent. The BBB recommends verifying dates through reverse image searches, asking detailed questions, and never sending money or personal information to people you haven't met in person.
waka.com
Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually, with scammers using tactics like fake "meet-cute" encounters, impersonating military personnel, and requesting money or banking information under the guise of plane tickets or other expenses. To protect yourself, perform reverse image searches on photos, avoid using the same profile photos across platforms, and inform trusted friends and family about online contacts, as anyone—from young people to lonely seniors—can fall victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
nbclosangeles.com
The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities and build trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money through transfers, checks, gift cards, or wire payments. The agencies recommend avoiding relationships that escalate quickly, refusing requests for money from people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Victims should report scams to the USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
yahoo.com
The U.S. Postal Service warned of romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake identities online, build trust over weeks or months, then request money through the mail by fabricating urgent financial emergencies. Victims suffer financial and emotional losses as scammers pressure them to send cash, checks, wire transfers, or gift cards that are difficult to recover. USPS advises never sending money to online contacts you haven't met in person, remaining cautious of quickly escalating relationships, and reporting suspected scams to the Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, or the Federal Trade Commission.
news.yahoo.com
The United States Postal Service warned consumers about romance scams that surge around Valentine's Day, in which fraudsters create fake identities on social media and dating apps to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or wire transfers under false pretenses. The USPS recommends avoiding online relationships that escalate quickly, refusing to send money to people you haven't met in person, and being alert to requests for secrecy or urgent financial assistance. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
The Middleboro Senior Center is hosting an educational program on February 20 where Police Elder Affairs Officer Steve Valerio will teach seniors about common scams targeting them, including fake package delivery alerts, online romance schemes, Medicare/government impersonations, and fraudulent tech support calls, with advice on how to avoid scammers. The center is also offering other February activities including a Valentine's Day entertainment event on February 13 and a historical presentation about the Blizzard of 1978 on February 27.
english.gujaratsamachar.com
Indian authorities launched a special awareness campaign during Valentine's Week to combat romance scams, where cybercriminals pose as romantic interests to solicit money from victims. A recent case in Ranchi involved a woman who lost ₹7 lakh after meeting a man on a matrimonial site who claimed to need emergency funds before their planned meeting, then disappeared. Authorities urge people to report suspected fraud by calling 1930 or filing complaints at cybercrime.gov.in, emphasizing the need to verify online connections before sending money.
philstarlife.com
A Thai-British beauty queen lost 4 million baht after two scammers, Ramil Pantawong and 31, and Thanawut Kanyaphanthe, 28, impersonated Thai Department of Special Investigation officers and falsely accused her of money laundering to trick her into transferring funds. The two suspects were arrested as part of a 50-member gang operating from Cambodia that used AI technology to alter their faces during video calls and had victimized at least 163 people with similar schemes involving fake narcotics and money-laundering accusations. The suspects revealed they had been recruited under false pretenses and forced to work for Chinese gang leaders who controlled the operation through threats
ice.gov
Three Chinese nationals pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for operating a gift card fraud scheme based in China that targeted U.S. citizens through romance and elder fraud schemes to obtain gift cards, which they then used to purchase high-value electronics for shipment to Asia. Naxin Wu, Mengying Jiang, and Mingdong Chen, operating as a cell in New Hampshire, were responsible for $1.4 million, $3 million, and $400,000 in fraudulent gift card purchases respectively, with sentencing scheduled for April 2025. The investigation by Homeland Security Investigations revealed that organized crime groups acquire gift cards through hacking and fraud schemes, then exploit no-sales-
medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat is experiencing rising reports of scams targeting seniors, including the Grandparent Scam, romance scams, and phishing schemes, with 78% of adults aged 65 and older having encountered at least one fraud attempt. The Veiner Centre partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a February 13 presentation on identifying and preventing fraud, and highlighted its Elder Abuse Outreach team that provides assessment, support, and case management to seniors experiencing financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings.
news.clemson.edu
The Clemson University Police Department warns of multiple scam tactics targeting people around Valentine's Day, including romance scams (where scammers quickly profess love and request money), fake gift/flower websites that steal credit card information, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent dating app profiles, and counterfeit event ticket sales. The department recommends never sending money to online contacts you haven't met in person, purchasing only from reputable retailers, avoiding suspicious links and attachments, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying all communications before responding. Victims should report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
abc7ny.com
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million in a romance scam after meeting someone on the dating app BLK who posed as a widower and eventually convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency. The scammer used a stolen photo, love-bombed the victim over months of phone calls (never video chatting), and showed fake screenshots of profitable crypto investments to encourage larger deposits, ultimately draining her 401K. Experts warn that staying on dating platform messaging systems, never sending money to unmet contacts, and requesting video verification are key ways to avoid such scams.
wandtv.com
**Summary:**
The FBI Springfield office warned the public about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that criminals use fake identities on dating websites and social media to establish trust with victims before exploiting them financially. Illinois residents lost nearly $19 million to romance scams in 2023, with nationwide losses totaling $652.5 million that year. The FBI provided warning signs including requests to move off dating platforms, quick professions of love, claims of overseas locations, and requests for money, urging people to take their time vetting potential online partners and report suspected scams immediately.
mynews4.com
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day alert about romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake identities online to build trust with victims before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards for fabricated emergencies. The agencies recommend victims avoid relationships that escalate quickly or involve avoidance of video calls, never send money to online contacts, and report suspected scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, or the FTC.
wgem.com
The Springfield FBI raised awareness about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that victims lost over $650 million nationally to such scams in 2023, with $19 million of those losses occurring in Illinois. A Clark County resident lost $30,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a woman online, and the FBI highlighted common red flags including requests for money, fake photos, quick professions of love, and false emergencies. The agency recommends victims stop contact immediately, never send money to online contacts they haven't met in person, and report incidents to FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675.
fbi.gov
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office warns that romance scammers operate year-round by creating fake online identities to build trust with victims and manipulate them into sending money or personal information. Scammers often escalate these schemes by promising lucrative cryptocurrency investment opportunities through fraudulent websites, then deny withdrawal requests and demand additional fees before disappearing with victims' funds. The FBI advises people to verify online dating profiles, avoid sending money to online contacts, move slowly in relationships, and report suspected scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wrdw.com
Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually, with scammers using tactics like the "meet-cute" text and military impersonation to build trust before requesting money or financial information, sometimes defrauding victims of tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself, use reverse image searches to verify photos, avoid using dating app photos from social media, and consult friends and family about new online contacts, as anyone—from young people targeted in sextortion schemes to lonely older adults—can fall victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
wbbjtv.com
Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually and typically begin with a scammer initiating contact through text or dating apps, building trust over time, and then requesting money, gift cards, or bank account information under false pretenses such as military deployment or travel expenses. Common red flags include stolen profile photos (which can be identified through reverse image searches), requests to move conversations off dating platforms, and inconsistencies in stories. To protect yourself, use unique dating app photos, avoid connecting with people who have no mutual friends, inform trusted contacts about new online connections, and conduct reverse image searches on suspicious profiles.
yahoo.com
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about romance scams in advance of Valentine's Day. The alert aims to alert consumers to the increased risk of fraudulent dating schemes during the holiday season when romantic gestures and financial exchanges are more common.
kfvs12.com
Romance scams are increasing in 2025, with scammers using AI and cryptocurrency to target vulnerable populations, particularly people over 65. According to the Better Business Bureau, more than 500 people reported romance fraud in 2024 with a median loss exceeding $6,000 per victim, and one recent case involved a man losing $3,000 to an AI chatbot scam. Red flags include refusal to meet in person, stolen or AI-generated profile images, and requests for cryptocurrency payments, which leave no trace once transferred.
liteonline.com
Romance scams spike around Valentine's Day, with scammers targeting vulnerable individuals—particularly recently divorced or widowed seniors—through fake online profiles on dating apps and social media. Over 70,000 Americans fall victim to these "confidence schemes" annually, losing a collective $75 billion over four years through requests for money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Homeland Security advises recognizing warning signs such as claims of being abroad, love-bombing, avoiding video calls, and requests for explicit photos, and recommends victims immediately cut contact, refuse financial requests, and report the scammer to the platform.
kdsm17.com
**Summary:**
Romance scams are increasing, with fraudsters exploiting emotional vulnerabilities to manipulate victims into sending money. Key protective measures include being cautious of rapid declarations of love, watching for red flags like requests for personal information or avoidance of in-person meetings, remaining vigilant against AI-generated fake personas, never sending money to strangers, and consulting trusted friends or family before making financial decisions.
wsmv.com
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting people around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake dating profiles (often posing as military members or overseas workers) to build emotional connections with victims before requesting money for fabricated financial crises. Red flags include profiles that seem perfect, requests to move communication off dating platforms quickly, early declarations of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, and requests for money. The BBB recommends verifying information through reverse-image searches, discussing potential matches with trusted friends and family, and reporting suspicious profiles to BBB.org/Scamtracker.
wisbusiness.com
With Valentine's Day spending projected to reach nearly $26 billion, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about four common scams: impostor websites offering counterfeit jewelry and fake dating platforms, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals who can lose thousands of dollars, wrong number text scams designed to harvest personal information, and fake florist schemes that deliver nothing or substandard arrangements. Consumers should watch for red flags such as extreme discounts, requests for cash transfers or cryptocurrency, fast-moving relationships, and unverifiable business credentials, and should report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
rbcroyalbank.com
Romance scams remain one of the leading fraud schemes globally, with losses rising significantly through the 2020s and online dating scams increasing 72% in the past year. The article provides protective strategies including limiting personal information shared on social media, recognizing common red flags (such as overly perfect profiles, quick declarations of affection, requests for money, or excuses to avoid in-person meetings), and involving trusted friends and family to identify potential scams. Romance scammers exploit emotional vulnerability by researching victims' interests and using coordinated tactics to manipulate people into sending money, causing both financial and emotional harm.
ladailypost.com
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) launched the Scam Awareness for Elders (S.A.F.E.) initiative with a kickoff event on January 29, 2025, attended by 85 people, featuring a screening of the film "Thelma" and a scam prevention presentation by FBI Special Agent Ryan Davis. The spring 2025 program includes workshops on romance scams, AI literacy, and a book club focused on scam prevention, all offered free to the community through funding from the Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging.
sundancetimes.com
A Social Security Administration (SSA) public affairs specialist outlined four key warning signs of scams: impersonation of trusted organizations, claims of problems or prizes, pressure for immediate action, and requests for payment via gift cards. The episode featured testimony from scam survivor Kate Kleinert, who lost $39,000 to a romance scam, and provided resources for recognizing and reporting scams through the SSA's website.
northfortynews.com
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warns Northern Colorado residents about 13 emerging scams in 2025, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake security warnings, rental and car buying scams on online marketplaces, romance schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies. Common tactics involve pressure, secrecy, and requests for untraceable payments via Bitcoin, wire transfers, or gift cards. The advisory recommends verifying all financial transactions with official sources, never sending money to unknown parties, and treating urgent demands with skepticism.
bucksherald.co.uk
The Thames Valley region reported 1,401 online dating scams over five years, with victims losing an average of over £10,000 each, according to Action Fraud data. Reports increased from 274 in 2020 to a peak of 313 in 2022, with victims spanning all age groups but concentrated among those aged 50-59, and nearly evenly split between men (49%) and women (51%). Action Fraud warns residents to exercise caution on dating apps, particularly around Valentine's Day, and notes that romance fraud carries significant psychological impacts beyond financial loss.
dallasobserver.com
In May 2024, an 86-year-old man nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam requesting a fraudulent electronic funds transfer, an experience that inspired his 15-year-old granddaughter, Tejasvi Manoj, to develop Shield Seniors—a web application designed to protect senior citizens from cyber fraud. The platform features educational content, an AI chatbot, email/text analysis tools, and scam reporting resources, all with senior-friendly design elements, and earned an honorable mention in the Congressional App Challenge in November 2024. Cyber fraud cost elderly Americans over $3.4 billion in 2023, with romance scams alone accounting for $