With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning Americans to watch for online romance scams, where criminals create fake identities to build emotional relationships and then steal money or personal information.
Investigators say romance scammers often move quickly, expressing strong feelings early and pushing to take conversations off dating or social media platforms. Victims are frequently promised in-person meetings that never happen. Instead, scammers eventually request money for supposed emergencies, travel costs, or legal fees.
Officials say many fraudsters claim to work overseas in construction, engineering, or contracting jobs, making it easier to explain why they cannot meet. Some also ask for bank account access, claiming they need help moving funds — a major red flag tied to broader fraud schemes.
The FBI urges people to slow down new online relationships, ask detailed questions, and research profile photos and names. Never send money or share financial details with someone you’ve only met online.
Suspected scams should be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Victims are advised to stop contact immediately.
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