Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet: How to Watch for Romance Scams This Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Valentine’s season brings opportunities to connect with others, but unfortunately, it also brings opportunities for scammers. Romance scams are growing rapidly across the U.S., costing victims billions each year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the number of romance scams people reported tripled between 2015 to 2025. This increase reflects an evolution in scammer tactics, especially with the increasing use of AI‑generated personas, deepfake videos, and fabricated profiles, all designed to make fraudulent suitors seem more believable and trustworthy than ever before.

Most often, a scam begins with a period where the scammer sends affectionate messages, checks in frequently, and forms what feels like a genuine emotional bond. This “love‑bombing” stage is typically followed by requests for secrecy, such as urging the victim to keep the relationship private, which helps isolate them from loved ones who might recognize warning signs. Scammers often use distance as a tool, claiming to be overseas or otherwise unavailable to explain why they can’t meet in person and to justify sudden or urgent requests for money.

Once trust has been established, the scam shifts. A sudden emotional plea appears: a medical crisis, a frozen bank account, a customs fee, legal trouble, or a travel complication. These requests are designed to be urgent and compelling. After the first transfer, the scammer usually escalates, requesting wires, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, all methods that are extremely difficult or impossible to reverse once sent.

Some scammers now use AI‑generated “live” videos or hyper‑realistic photos to fortify their deception, making victims feel even more certain that they are talking to a real person. When victims eventually begin to question things, the scammer either disappears or pivots to threats such as misusing personal photos or sensitive information, a pattern the FBI has documented repeatedly in romance‑fraud cases.

A few simple habits can help to drastically reduce your risk. One safeguard is confirming identity early through a live video call. Asking the person to wave and say the current date can quickly expose deepfakes or scammers who rely on pre‑recorded content. Ongoing refusal or technical excuses to avoid live video calls are a common red flag.

Use technology to your advantage. Reverse image searches and basic online searches can sometimes reveal stolen photos or fake identities. Pay attention to changing stories, vague answers or details that don’t quite add up.

It’s also essential never to transfer money into accounts you don’t control, especially via wire or cryptocurrency.

Turning on account alerts can help detect unfamiliar charges right away, and establishing a family safety passphrase can protect you from scams involving impersonated loved ones. When something feels off, talking to your local banker can help identify warning signs quickly.

If you believe you or someone you know may be caught in a romance scam, act quickly. Stop communication, block the person, and document all interactions, including screenshots, emails, and transaction details. If you recognize any of the signs and gave out information or sent money to an unidentified source, call your local branch right away. You can submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission, and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, the agency’s official platform for reporting online fraud including romance scams.

Staying alert to the warning signs of romance scams empowers you to confidently navigate online connections. This Valentine’s season, take a moment to pause, verify, and think critically when new connections arise. A little caution can go a long way in ensuring your relationships, both online and off, remain authentic and safe.

·         Federal Trade Commission – ReportFraud.ftc.gov – File a report, read consumer alerts, and learn about recent scam trends.

·         FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center – https://www.ic3.gov/ – Submit reports for romance scams, online fraud, and other cybercrimes directly to federal investigators.

·         AARP Fraud Watch Network – https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/