Valentine’s Day is all about love, connection, and sweet surprises, but for scammers, it’s also prime time to prey on emotions.
Romance scams are on the rise, and they can happen to anyone. These scams often start on dating apps, social media, or even through unexpected messages. The goal? To build trust and then exploit it.
How Romance Scams Work
Fraudsters create fake profiles and spend weeks — or even months — gaining your confidence. Once they’ve established a relationship, they invent a crisis: maybe they need money for a medical emergency, travel expenses, or to “finally meet you.” They’ll tug at your heartstrings and pressure you to send funds, often through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Red Flags to Watch For
- They avoid meeting in person or making video calls.
- They claim to be overseas for work or military service.
- They ask for money urgently and promise to pay you back.
Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Be cautious about sharing personal details, and if something feels off, trust your instincts.
Report suspicious activity to the FTC at ftc.gov/idtheft.
This Valentine’s Day, keep your love life sweet and scam-free.