Valentine’s Day is all about love, connection, and finding that special someone. But while many people are looking for romance, scammers are looking for their next victim. Romance scams have become a global issue, with fraudsters preying on those seeking love online. In 2023 alone, victims of romance scams in the U.S. lost a staggering $1.14 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). That’s more than any other type of consumer fraud! 

With online dating more popular than ever, scammers have refined their tactics, using emotional manipulation and advanced technology to create convincing fake identities. So, before you get swept off your feet, let’s take a closer look at how these scams work, the red flags to watch for, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to a love con this Valentine’s season. 

How Romance Scams Work 

Romance scammers typically operate on dating apps, social media platforms, and even through emails. They create fake profiles using stolen photos and fabricated identities, luring victims into emotional relationships. Once trust is built, the scammer strikes, usually with a fabricated emergency requiring financial assistance. These sob stories often involve medical crises, business troubles, or urgent travel expenses to finally meet in person. Victims, believing they are helping someone they care about, send money, only to later realize they have been deceived. 

Scammers employ psychological tactics like “love bombing,” where they overwhelm victims with affection and attention to create an emotional bond. By making their targets feel valued, scammers gain trust and control, making it harder for victims to recognize red flags. Once an emotional connection is secured, scammers introduce crises that require financial help. They alternate between affection and distress, deepening the emotional investment and pressuring victims into providing money or sensitive information. This cycle of manipulation can keep victims trapped in the scam for months or even years. 

Red Flags to Watch For 

While each scam may vary, romance scammers often follow recognizable patterns. Here are key warning signs: 

  • Too Good to Be True: They claim to be highly successful, attractive, and instantly smitten with you. 
  • Quick to Move Forward: They profess love early on and push for an exclusive relationship without meeting in person. 
  • Avoiding Face-to-Face Meetings: They always have an excuse for why they can’t video chat or meet in person, such as working overseas or being in the military. 
  • Asking for Money: They’ll have urgent financial troubles—perhaps a medical emergency, business crisis, or travel funds to finally meet you. 
  • Inconsistent Stories: Their background, job, or location details keep changing, or they dodge direct questions. 
  • Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many scammers operate from foreign countries and their messages may contain odd phrasing or grammatical mistakes. 

The Real Cost of Romance Scams 

The financial losses are devastating, but the emotional toll is just as severe. Victims often feel embarrassed, heartbroken, and hesitant to trust again. According to a report by the UK’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, romance scam victims lose an average of £10,774 each, and many never recover their money.  

The Rise of AI in Romance Scams 

As technology advances, romance scams are becoming more sophisticated. Scammers now use artificial intelligence (AI) to automate conversations, generate realistic fake images, and create highly personalized messages. AI-driven scams make it even harder for victims to distinguish between a real person and a fabricated persona. 

Organized scam networks have also emerged, operating at an international level to target multiple victims simultaneously. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, financial losses from scams totalled an estimated $1.03 trillion in 2024. With an estimated 70% of cases going unreported, the true numbers could be much higher. 

How to Protect Yourself 

Before you open your heart (or wallet), take these precautions to avoid falling for a scam: 

  • Do a Reverse Image Search: Use Google’s reverse image tool to see if their profile picture is stolen from someone else. 
  • Verify Their Identity: Ask for a video call early on. If they refuse, consider it a major red flag. 
  • Never Send Money: No matter how convincing their story is, don’t send money or share your bank details with someone you’ve never met in person. 
  • Be Skeptical of Love Bombing: If someone showers you with affection too soon, take a step back and assess their motives. 
  • Talk to Friends or Family: If you’re unsure, get a second opinion from a trusted friend or family member. 
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the dating platform, the FTC, or your country’s fraud prevention agency. 
  • Romance scams prey on emotions and trust, making it essential to stay vigilant when navigating online relationships. While awareness is key, having the right technology in place adds an extra layer of protection. 

At Netsweeper, our advanced web filtering solutions help detect and block fraudulent websites, phishing attempts, and malicious content designed to deceive users. Our AI-powered technology scans and categorizes online threats in real-time, preventing access to known scam websites and reducing the chances of falling victim to online fraud. 

With tools like nFilter, organizations, businesses, and even households can monitor internet activity, enforce safe browsing practices, and protect users from harmful digital interactions. By proactively filtering deceptive content, Netsweeper helps create a safer online environment—so you can focus on finding genuine connections without the fear of cyber deception. 

Love Safely This Valentine’s Day 

It’s easy to ignore red flags when we want to believe in love, but romance scams prey on trust and vulnerability. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect both your heart and your finances from being exploited. 

If you’ve been a victim of a romance scam or know someone who has, don’t be ashamed to seek help. Awareness is the first step to preventing these scams and protecting others from falling into the same trap. Stay safe, trust your instincts, and may your Valentine’s Day be filled with genuine love, not deception.