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sunstar.com.ph
The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Davao Region intensified awareness campaigns against romance scams, particularly in February when Valentine's Day increases vulnerability. Police reported two romance scam cases in 2024, where scammers use social media and dating apps to build romantic relationships with victims before requesting money and personal information, with potential criminal charges including estafa and violations of anti-violence and cybercrime laws. Authorities advised the public to distrust unsolicited romantic advances from strangers and urged victims to report incidents immediately.
kristv.com
First Community Bank of Corpus Christi issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, which use fake online profiles on dating apps and social media to exploit victims financially. The advisory identifies key warning signs—including requests for money, inconsistent details, rapid declarations of love, and excuses to avoid in-person meetings—and recommends victims verify identities, remain skeptical of unusual requests, and report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission.
www3.erie.gov
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online dating profiles to build romantic relationships and eventually request money from victims. Red flags include requests for urgent payments, use of untraceable payment methods, claims of living abroad or military service, reluctance to meet in person, and rapid relationship escalation. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scam victims lost over $600 million in 2020 alone, and victims should immediately cease contact, document evidence, report to law enforcement and the FTC, and alert the dating platform.
wibc.com
The FBI warns against online romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake profiles to build trust with victims before requesting money for emergencies, visits, or weddings—with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars. The scammers use seemingly legitimate relationships and emotional manipulation to make detection difficult, though red flags include requests for bank information, excuses to move off dating platforms, and inability to meet in person. The FBI recommends verifying profiles through image searches, moving slowly in online relationships, and never sending money to people contacted only online or by phone.
bbc.com
BBC Local podcast "Loved Bombed," hosted by Vicky Pattison, features real-life stories of romance fraud victims who were deceived by partners they met online and lost significant sums of money through emotional manipulation and false promises. Featured victims include Priya, who lost £100,000 including family heirlooms to a fraudster, and Suzanne from Hertfordshire, who lost £20,000 to a man she dated. The five-part series aims to raise awareness of romance scams and encourage survivors to recognize warning signs and seek help.
stocktitan.net
A Norton study reveals that while 60% of online daters encounter AI-generated responses and many welcome AI tools for dating profiles, AI also enables increasingly sophisticated scams. Dating app users face significant threats: 40% have been targeted by scams with 41% of those becoming victims, including catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), and sextortion (31%), while only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images and 27% have had their photos stolen without permission. Norton launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users identify fraudulent profiles and protect themselves against these evolving threats.
fox5vegas.com
An 82-year-old Boulder City woman lost $40,000 in a Facebook-based romance scam involving a gold shipping scheme, and was nearly conned into sending an additional $100,000 before her daughter discovered the fraud through a joint bank account. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is hosting two public educational events in early February featuring Chase Bank officials and financial crimes specialists to teach residents how to identify romance scam red flags and protect themselves from similar frauds.
12news.com
Arizona banking customers are experiencing a surge in sophisticated tech scams, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fraudsters who use alarming text messages about account fraud to trick people into revealing account credentials. The Better Business Bureau also reports a spike in romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims averaging $126,000 in losses per person in early 2024, typically initiated through social media or dating websites with warning signs including rapid friendships, quick money discussions, and reluctance to video chat. Banks emphasize that contacting financial institutions within 24 hours of suspected fraud is critical, as scammers typically transfer funds overseas quickly, making recovery difficult after that window closes.
cbsnews.com
Pennsylvania widow Kate Kleinert lost nearly $40,000 to a romance scam perpetrated by a man posing as "Tony," a surgeon working in Iraq, whom she met via Facebook. The financial devastation left her unable to afford home repairs, which led to a fire that destroyed her house and killed six foster dogs. According to the FBI and FTC, romance scams affected tens of thousands of people in 2023, costing consumers $1.14 billion that year, with scammers exploiting social media information and stolen photos to build trust before requesting money under various pretexts.
ky3.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams are increasingly dangerous, with 532 reports in 2024 showing a median loss of $6,125, and seniors over 65 particularly at risk. Scammers are now using AI tools to create more realistic fake profiles and chatbots that eliminate grammatical errors, while also targeting victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes. The BBB recommends online daters watch for red flags such as excuses to avoid meeting, moving conversations to other apps, requests for money, and suspicious photos—and to verify profiles through reverse image searches and consult trusted friends and family before sending any money.
yahoo.com
Romance scams involve fraudsters posing as potential romantic partners to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be cautious of online romantic connections that quickly escalate emotionally or request financial assistance, and recommends verifying identities and protecting personal information to avoid both financial loss and emotional harm.
therecord.media
A 52-year-old Thai woman was arrested at Hat Yai International Airport for her alleged role in a $182.8 million romance scam—Thailand's costliest on record. The woman, Orathai, was accused of opening bank accounts at the direction of her Nigerian boyfriend that were used to launder embezzled funds from EssilorLuxottica; the scam's original victim, the company's CFO, had been deceived over three months into transferring $182.8 million to 112 accounts across 17 countries after being romance-scammed via LinkedIn. The operation involved at least 23 suspects across Thailand, Malaysia, and Nigeria, highlighting how
ksl.com
Christopher Maxwell, a former romance scammer operating from Nigeria, earned over $70,000 over five years by targeting lonely American women on Facebook while posing as a U.S. soldier, before claiming to have reformed after realizing the emotional harm he caused victims like a 62-year-old woman who lost $20,000. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023—double the losses from 2021—with Utah residents losing $5.4 million in 2023 alone. Maxwell now works to expose romance scamming tactics, warning that scammers typically target women appearing lonely in photos and spen
local.aarp.org
Romance fraud scammers exploit emotional connections to steal money through tactics like "love bombing" (building trust before requesting funds), "catfishing" (using fake profiles on dating sites), and inheritance schemes (claiming victims will receive money if they pay upfront expenses). The scams affect people of all genders and can cost victims tens of thousands of dollars, with emotional devastation accompanying financial losses; victims should be wary of matches who avoid video calls and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
banburyguardian.co.uk
Neighbourhood Watch in the Banbury and Bicester area has issued a warning about romance scammers who build fake romantic relationships with online dating users to manipulate them into sending money or sharing financial information that enables theft. The advisory outlines common warning signs including rapid romantic escalation, inconsistent stories, refusal to video call or meet in person, and eventual requests for money, sometimes involving money laundering schemes. The guidance recommends using reputable dating sites, avoiding sharing personal details, refusing money transfers with online contacts, and not accepting friend requests from strangers to protect against these scams.
patch.com
Social Security Administration official Rebecca Rose identified 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. Scam survivor Kate Kleinert shared her experience losing $39,000 to a romance scam, while SSA resources provide guidance on recognizing scams and reporting them to the Office of the Inspector General.
amp.scmp.com
Singaporean actor Laurence Pang, 78, lost thousands of US dollars to a romance scam after meeting a woman named "Mika" on the dating app PinaLove who convinced him to invest in selling counterfeit goods through a fake Rakuten e-commerce platform. Pang was instructed to transfer money and set up cryptocurrency wallets with promises of a 10% commission per sale, but discovered he could not withdraw funds due to unfulfilled orders. The case highlights the continued threat of Philippine-based fraud networks despite the country's ban on illegal online gambling operations (Pogo).
thegazette.com
Romance scams are growing on online dating and social media platforms, where fraudsters create fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims before requesting money or personal financial information. Red flags include profiles that seem "too perfect," attempts to move communication off-site quickly, moving the relationship forward rapidly, reluctance to meet in person, and hard luck stories preceding financial requests. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by never sending money or personal information, asking detailed questions about profile details, conducting reverse image searches, and stopping contact immediately if asked for financial or banking information.
bangkokpost.com
A 52-year-old Thai woman was arrested at Hat Yai International Airport for her alleged role in Thailand's largest romance scam, which defrauded a multinational company's CFO of 6.3 billion baht (US$186 million) in 2022 using a fake LinkedIn profile of a US Army doctor. Orathai admitted to opening multiple Thai bank accounts for her Nigerian partner, who she claimed wanted to start a business, though the accounts were actually used to receive and transfer stolen funds from the fraud scheme. Warrants have been issued for approximately 100 Thai and Nigerian suspects involved in the transnational operation, with ongoing arrest efforts.
themonroesun.com
Common scams targeting victims include fake attorney calls claiming a loved one needs bail money, utility shutoff warnings, lottery schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment fraud. Law enforcement advises that when unsolicited callers request personal information or money, recipients should hang up and independently verify the claim by contacting the supposed organization or person directly. Scammers use tactics such as keeping victims on the phone to prevent critical thinking, leveraging personal information like Social Security numbers, and coaching victims on how to send money discreetly to avoid detection by store employees.
slguardian.org
**Romance Scam Victimization - Poppy's Case (UK)**
An 84-year-old woman from Manchester named Poppy fell victim to three separate romance scams between 2021 and 2023, losing approximately £20,000 total. The scams involved fraudsters posing as an American oil worker, a wealthy businessman, and a NATO medic, each requesting financial help through various pretexts; her brother discovered the full extent of the fraud when managing her finances due to her declining memory. While NatWest refunded £16,000 of her losses, the case highlights a growing epidemic of romance scams in the UK, with
theschoharienews.com
The Sharon Springs Silver & Gold Senior Club held an educational presentation on January 10th where a Social Security Administration official informed approximately twenty seniors about identity theft, consumer scams, and emerging fraud threats including AI-enhanced scams such as phishing, family emergency, and romance schemes. Attendees learned protective measures and were provided resources including IdentityTheft.gov for reporting identity theft, the Senate Special Committee on Aging's Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470), and the "Fighting Fraud" booklet available at www.aging.senate.gov.
states.aarp.org
This AARP article provides educational guidance on protecting oneself from common fraud schemes affecting adults. It recommends three key protective steps: placing security freezes on credit accounts, monitoring financial accounts regularly, and using strong unique passwords. The article also warns about three specific scams—romance scams involving cryptocurrency, fake gift card balance-checking websites, and identity fraud from data breaches—and advises checking official sources like the SEC's investor.gov before making investments and using phone numbers or addresses on the back of gift cards rather than search results. For victims, AARP offers the Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1-877-908-3360) available weekdays 8 a.m.–
thetimes.com
Poppy, an 84-year-old widow from Manchester, lost £20,000 to three separate romance scams over two and a half years after becoming isolated following her husband's death and during the Covid lockdown. The scammers posed as American men and exploited her loneliness and declining memory by building emotional connections before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. Romance scams in the UK increased 6% in 2024 with victims losing £99.4 million, and criminologists note that previous victims are particularly vulnerable to repeat victimization due to the grooming tactics used.
wave3.com
Experts are warning the public about romance scams, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers impersonate celebrities or create fake personas to build relationships and request money from victims. Red flags include quick declarations of love, requests for money, reluctance to meet in person, and insistence on communication only through dating platforms. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams were Kentucky's most common fraud type in 2024, with scammers stealing $2.7 billion nationally in that year; financial experts recommend consulting trusted friends or bank representatives when uncertain about suspicious requests.
lichfieldlive.co.uk
Police are warning the public against romance scams following high-profile cases, including a woman who lost approximately £700,000 after being deceived by someone impersonating actor Brad Pitt. UK losses to romance scams totaled an estimated £92 million last year, with scammers typically creating fake profiles that avoid video calls, claim military or overseas employment, and request money for medical treatment or emergencies. Authorities advise never sending money, loans, gift cards, or personal documents to online contacts you have not met in person, and recommend reporting suspicious behavior to police.
theguardian.com
A widowed pensioner fell victim to a romance scam, sending thousands of pounds to a woman he had never met in person, whose photos were stolen from social media and used across multiple scam accounts. Santander's "Break the Spell" team, a specialized fraud prevention unit, worked to convince him he was being defrauded, though he initially resisted accepting the reality despite blocked transactions and a failed in-person meeting. The article highlights the growing prevalence of scams in the UK—with £213m lost across the banking sector in the first half of 2024—and notes that Santander's Break the Spell initiative has prevented £17.6m from reaching
finextra.com
Romance scams are highly sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit emotional vulnerability and loneliness, affecting victims across all age groups but particularly targeting middle-aged adults (55-64) and older adults (65-74). In 2023, romance scams resulted in approximately $1.14 billion in reported losses in the United States, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated images and fake social media accounts to build trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. A notable 2024 case involved a 53-year-old French woman who lost her entire life savings of $850,000 to scammers posing as
substack.com
In 2023, scams targeting older adults resulted in approximately $3.4 billion in losses, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, government impersonation, lottery scams, and home repair fraud, with perpetrators typically using intimidation tactics or appeals to family relationships to pressure victims into sending money. Experts recommend maintaining awareness, being cautious of high-pressure situations, and reporting suspected fraud as the best defenses against these schemes.
local3news.com
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting Valentine's Day, particularly affecting people in their 50s and 60s on dating apps. Scammers use fake photos to catfish victims and eventually request money or personal information under the guise of a romantic relationship. The BBB recommends researching potential dates, asking specific questions, and being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
ksltv.com
A former romance scammer from Nigeria revealed his methods to KSL, explaining how he targeted vulnerable American women on Facebook—particularly those appearing lonely—by posing as a soldier and building relationships over months before requesting money for emergencies. Over five years, he defrauded victims of more than $70,000, including at least one Utah resident, though he claims to have reformed after realizing the severe emotional damage caused to a 62-year-old woman who lost $20,000 and became severely depressed. The interview comes as Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, with 207 Utahns losing $5.4 million that year
cyberdaily.au
The National Anti-Scam Centre and Australian Federal Police alerted over 5,000 Australians via text message after Philippine authorities dismantled a romance scam operation in Manila, recovering 1,000 mobile phones and 300 desktop computers. The sophisticated scam, which primarily targeted men, resulted in reported losses of $23.6 million to dating and romance scams in Australia in 2024, with 250 suspects arrested and victims advised to avoid sending money to online contacts and to report any transfers to banks and police. The authorities warned that romance scammers often move conversations to encrypted messaging platforms and encourage victims to make large investments under false pretenses.
accc.gov.au
Australian authorities identified over 5,000 potential victims of a romance scam operation run by Philippine-based cybercriminals who posed as Filipino or local females on dating apps to deceive mostly male victims over 35. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300–$800 in cryptocurrency before transferring funds to their accounts; the investigation resulted in over 250 arrests and led authorities to send warning text messages to potential victims advising them not to send money and to report any losses to banks and police. This operation was conducted under Operation Firestorm, a global initiative by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre to disrupt offshore organized crime networks targeting
afp.gov.au
Australian authorities warned more than 5,000 potential victims via text message about romance scammers operating from the Philippines who targeted men over 35 using fake female personas on dating apps. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300-$800 in cryptocurrency before stealing their funds, with the scheme uncovered after Philippine authorities raided a scam compound in Manila in November 2024 and identified Australian phone numbers linked to the operation. The investigation, known as Operation Firestorm, has resulted in over 250 arrests in the Philippines, and authorities advised victims to report funds to their banks and police immediately.
sbs.com.au
Over 5,000 Australian men were alerted to a romance scam operation based in the Philippines that resulted in more than $23.5 million in losses across Australia in 2024. Scammers used dating apps to build fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency, requesting initial investments of $300-$800 before directing funds to their personal accounts. Philippine authorities dismantled the operation in November 2024, seizing over 300 computer towers and 1,000 mobile phones, with evidence shared to international law enforcement to identify victims.
klaq.com
Romance scams are on the rise in Texas, with the state ranking third nationally for losses from this type of fraud, totaling over $114.4 million from 2022 to 2023. According to FTC data, nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams in 2022, losing an average of $4,400 each across $1.3 billion in total losses. The article outlines common red flags—such as avoiding video calls, rushing romantic declarations, and requesting money—and recommends protective measures including reverse image searching, never sending money to unmet contacts, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
finance.yahoo.com
FightCybercrime, a nonprofit organization, operates a free Romance Scam Recovery Group to support victims of romance fraud, which cost Americans over $800 million in the first three quarters of 2024. Program participants have collectively lost more than $73 million, averaging $160,000 in losses per person, and receive counselor-led peer support, therapy, and resources to aid emotional and financial recovery. Romance scammers typically target isolated or vulnerable individuals by building trust over time before gradually escalating requests for money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
q1057.com
"Pig butchering" romance scams are targeting New York dating app users, where scammers build trust through fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest money in bogus schemes. A notable case involved a French woman who lost $850,000 after being deceived by someone impersonating Brad Pitt using AI technology. New York's Attorney General recommends avoiding wire transfers and verifying photos to protect against these sophisticated frauds.
thesenior.com.au
Romance scammers targeted Australians over 65 in 2024, using sophisticated phishing emails, social media, and fake dating profiles to deceive lonely seniors into sending money, resulting in nearly $8 million in losses. Cybersecurity experts recommend verifying online relationships with trusted friends or family before sending money, recognizing that scammers build trust gradually before requesting funds, and contacting your bank and ScamWatch immediately if victimized.
insidejoplin.blogspot.com
Romance scams cost people in the United States and Canada over $1 billion during a three-year period, with con artists targeting lonely individuals on dating sites by posing as military members, government officials, or overseas contacts in need of financial assistance. The Better Business Bureau highlights that these scams are particularly prevalent around Valentine's Day, when fraudsters also run fake florist and jewelry schemes. Resources like the BBB's scam survival kit are available to help victims recover financially and rebuild their profiles.
cknxnewstoday.ca
A Hanover resident lost more than $40,000 in a romance scam perpetrated over several years, during which the fraudster convinced the victim to send VISA gift cards and cryptocurrency through the Trust Wallet app. Hanover police are investigating the ongoing case and reminding the public that romance scammers exploit emotional connections to steal money, urging people to educate themselves and their families about prevention.
crypto.news
Jakarta police arrested 20 suspects involved in a crypto romance scam that targeted professional women from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand through dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, eventually directing them to a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called "Wish" that promised returns up to 25%. The scam, which operated for over two months, resulted in financial losses still being determined, with three masterminds and supporting operatives identified, though one suspect believed to be a Chinese national remains at large. The case is part of a larger pattern of crypto scams with alleged Chinese criminal network connections operating across multiple countries.
nypost.com
A 21-year-old Syrian refugee in Dubai provided firsthand testimony about working in a sophisticated mass scamming operation that employed over 1,000 workers across multiple desert facilities to conduct "pig butchering" romance scams targeting victims globally. After being hired under false pretenses for what he believed was an advertising job, the worker was forced to impersonate women and manipulate people into investing in cryptocurrency, working 12-hour shifts for minimal pay while his passport was threatened and movement restricted. The operation, run by Chinese managers and staffed primarily by desperate foreign migrants, is part of a transnational scamming industry estimated to have generated $1.03 trillion globally last year.
citizen.co.za
Several elderly women aged 65-78 in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, lost a collective R120,000 to an online romance scam in January 2025 involving a man posing as "Doctor Mike from London," a British doctor allegedly practicing in New York. The scammer used Facebook and phone numbers with USA and UK prefixes to establish contact, promised romantic dates in Durban, and then claimed to have been arrested at King Shaka International Airport with confiscated US dollars, requesting R20,000-R50,000 transfers to secure his release. The victims discovered the fraud only after traveling to the airport to meet him and finding themselves blocke
ctvnews.ca
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datingnews.com
New York State introduced legislation requiring dating platforms to notify users when they match with someone previously banned from the app, addressing the growing problem of romance scams that cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. Romance scammers exploit users' desire for connection by building emotional trust before soliciting money, often using fake identities or celebrity impersonations. The legislation is part of the broader "Stop Hiding Hate" Act aimed at protecting New Yorkers from fraud while holding social media companies accountable for self-regulation.
thejakartapost.com
Indonesian police in Jakarta arrested 20 suspects involved in a romance scam targeting foreign nationals, primarily women from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, who were lured into fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes through fake dating app profiles. The operation was led by three Indonesians with 17 paid workers, generating approximately 7 million rupiah ($431.59) for leaders and 5 million rupiah for individual scammers, and is believed to be part of a larger syndicate headed by a Chinese national currently at large. Police discovered the scheme after noticing suspicious investment advertisements on dating apps and traced the scammers to an apartment in Jakarta.
usethebitcoin.com
Crypto romance scams, also known as "pig butchering," involve fraudsters forming fake online relationships with victims using AI-generated or stolen images, then pressuring them to invest in non-existent cryptocurrency platforms with promises of quick returns. In January 2025, Hong Kong Police dismantled a syndicate that defrauded victims in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan of at least $4.37 million, while research shows crypto romance scammers stole over $4.4 billion globally in 2024. Red flags include rapid relationship progression, requests to pay taxes or fees before withdrawals, and inability to meet in person—victims should use common sense and remain vigilant against these
lexology.com
This educational resource from a law firm specializing in online fraud describes "pig-butchering" scams—sophisticated schemes where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months through romantic or business relationships, then pressure them to invest large sums in fake opportunities like cryptocurrency or real estate projects. The article provides warning signs including high-pressure tactics, unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency payment requests, and offshore transfers, and recommends victims conduct background checks, research platforms, seek legal advice early, and stay informed about common fraud tactics. The firm notes it receives approximately 100 victim requests monthly but can only accept cases involving losses exceeding $500,000 due to the complex, resource-intensive nature of
kawartha411.ca
The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP issued a warning about an increase in grandparent/emergency scams targeting seniors in their area, where fraudsters call posing as distressed family members, police, or officials claiming a loved one needs immediate money for bail, accident damages, or foreign travel issues. The scammers use emotional manipulation, request secrecy, and extract personal information, with common scenarios involving car accidents or jail situations. Authorities advise recipients to hang up and verify claims independently, contact police non-emergency lines, inform bank tellers of large withdrawals, and report suspected fraud to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501