Love is in the air during February, but unfortunately, so are scams. Romance scams, which prey on people's emotions and trust, are especially prevalent around Valentine's Day. These scams can be devastating - both emotionally and financially. In fact, romance scams have become one of the fastest-growing types of fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that Americans lost over $1 billion to romance scams in 2024 alone. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams.

How Romance Scams Work

Romance scams typically begin with a scammer creating a fake online profile, often on dating sites or social media platforms. They present themselves as charming, attractive, and affectionate, quickly building a connection with their victim. Over time, they work to gain the person's trust, eventually inventing a crisis or emergency that requires money. They may ask for funds to cover medical expenses, travel, or to help a loved one in need.

Scammers often use fake pictures, fabricated stories, and emotionally manipulative language to create a sense of urgency and vulnerability. They know how to exploit your feelings, making it seem like they genuinely care about you, and they often promise to meet in person—only to make excuses when the time comes.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you think you’ve met someone special online, take a moment to assess the situation. Scammers are skilled at creating a sense of urgency and emotional attachment. Here are the top red flags to watch for:

• Too Fast, Too Soon: They claim to have deep feelings for you, often after only a few exchanges. They might say, "I love you" unusually early in the relationship.
• Requests for Money: This is one of the most common signs. If they ask for money, especially early on or for vague reasons like an "emergency" or "business opportunity," it’s a major red flag.
• Inconsistent Information: Scammers often contradict themselves or provide vague details about their lives. They may also refuse to share specific details like their phone number or real address.
• No In-Person Meetings: They will have a hundred excuses for why they can’t meet in person, including “I’m overseas” or “I’m too busy with work.”
• High Emotional Manipulation: They might use emotional tactics like saying they’re in trouble or even pretending to be ill or injured.

Real Statistics on Romance Scams

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

• Romance scams resulted in over $1.3 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone.
• The median loss per victim was $4,400.
• Most victims were contacted through social media or dating apps.
• Scammers are increasingly using more sophisticated techniques like deepfake videos to further deceive victims.

How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Verify their identity: Use reverse image search tools to check if their photos appear elsewhere online. Scammers often steal pictures from real people.
• Keep your personal information private: Be cautious about sharing too much too soon. Scammers may use details you provide to manipulate you further.
• Avoid sending money: Never send money or share sensitive financial information with someone you haven’t met in person.
• Don’t fall for the sob story: If they claim to need money for an emergency or have an urgent reason for not meeting in person, be skeptical.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you've fallen victim to a romance scam, act quickly:

• Stop all contact with the scammer.
• Report the scam: Notify the platform or dating site where you met the scammer. You can also report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Notify your bank or payment provider: If you’ve transferred money, let them know right away to try and stop any further transactions.
• Seek support: Romance scams can be emotionally devastating. If you’re feeling isolated, consider talking to a counselor or a support group for fraud victims.

Romance scams prey on your heart, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Be cautious when meeting people online and always trust your instincts. If something feels too good to be true, it likely is. Stay safe and keep your heart - and your money - protected this Valentine’s season!

To learn more about current scams and how to avoid them, please visit our Security Center.