Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and while many couples will be celebrating love, romance scammers take advantage of the holiday.
The FBI said these types of scams surge around January and February because they know people are looking for relationships.
“You create this trusted bond with this person; once that they know you trust them, they’re going to start asking you for money,” said Amy Nofziger, the AARP Senior Director of Fraud Victim Support.
Nofziger works directly with people who have been victim to these types of scams. AARP said adults aged 50 to 64 are especially at risk of being targeted. The FBI said seniors are often targeted because they tend to be more trusting and polite.
“The loss of the hopes and the dreams that this criminal crafted for them is even more devastating,” Nofziger said.
These types of cons have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2020, financial losses from reported romance scams were $600 million, but in 2024, those losses jumped to $2.4 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Nofziger said she worries those numbers are likely higher because so many people don’t report being victims.
“They feel ashamed that they’ve had this person so emotionally tied to them. They want victims to stay silent,” Nofziger said.
How to spot red flags
The FBI said to be cautious if a person you’re talking to on a dating app or social media site wants to quickly leave the app to communicate directly. Or if the person makes excuses not to meet in person.
And, never send money to someone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
See more tips in the full video at the beginning of this article.