A Valentine’s Day Reminder to Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet

Love is in the air, and unfortunately, so are scams. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and a lot of people are turning to the internet to form relationships. The promise of a connection feels real, but sometimes, behind those heartfelt words lies something much more sinister. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times of year for scammers. Their tactics are growing smarter every year and are costing Americans a hefty penny. 

Between 2017 and 2021, according to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported losing an estimated $1.3 billion to online romance scams. This number is often underreported because many victims feel ashamed or embarrassed to report that they have been scammed in this way. This Valentine’s Day, the FBI is reminding the public to beware of people who use the illusion of love or affection to steal money from unsuspecting victims. 

Scammers try to form connections by turning daily messages into emotional check-ins to build trust and routine. What often starts as a friendly conversation becomes more personal and real. 

How These Scams Usually Unfold 

Romance scams don’t begin with money. They begin with attention. These scenarios happen slowly, and in the moment, they feel reasonable.

Thoughtful messages and daily check-ins lure you in with excitement, and it feels real to you. This is how they build trust. Then something changes. All of a sudden, they are overseas or hit with an emergency, and they know that asking you for money doesn’t feel foolish; it feels kind. 

Perhaps you have been talking to someone online, and they ask you for a small favor. They say they can’t access their bank right now and need you to receive a payment and forward it on for them. You want to be supportive, so you agree, not realizing you have stepped into a money mule scam. The money moving through your account is not legitimate, and by playing their game, you have unknowingly become part of their scheme. 

Sometimes, it’s an opportunity they have stumbled upon that “changed their life,” like a cryptocurrency investment that promises impressive returns, and they want you to get in on it. The screenshots and platform they show you look legit, so you don’t question it. It feels like you’re planning a future together, so you invest. Then you get hit, the investment platform is fake, and both your money and the relationship disappear. 

And increasingly, the time comes in your conversations where the scammer says that the conversation should move to a different platform, saying it’s more private or secure. It sounds reasonable, so you agree. They send you a link or verification step, assuring you that it’s routine and necessary to continue using. You go to that website and fill out some basic details, not knowing the site is fake and created only to collect your information.

Know When Something Feels Off

Most romance scams obviously don’t start with lies. Making red flags harder to identify in the moment. Being vigilant and keeping your guard up can help you to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. 

For instance, when you suggest meeting in person, and something random comes up for the person you are talking with, like a deployment, work trip, or family emergency. Red Flag. Or, when they start to discourage you from telling your circle about your relationship, saying that others would not understand your connection and that others are jealous of your relationship. Red Flag. 

Without realizing it, your world starts to revolve around them.  You give in, thinking it’s not a big deal when they ask you for sudden financial help. These are patterns that outsiders pick up on, but you don’t realize you are under the illusion of love and believe they truly love you. 

Protect Yourself and Your Heart 

If you’re talking to someone you have never met in person and they ask you for money, give yourself permission to pause. Someone who is actually seeking a genuine connection would understand your hesitation, but a scammer would push harder. If there’s always a reason they can’t meet you in person or even video chat, take that seriously. You deserve proof, not their excuses.

You can also try to verify their identity by running their images through a reverse image search. Tell others if you have any suspicions because outside perspectives can help you see things more clearly. Be mindful of what you share online. The more details available about you publicly, the easier it is for someone to mirror your interests and create a fake relationship with you. 

Finally, take things slow. Anyone who rushes intimacy or asks for money before you have built a genuine connection is in it for the wrong reasons. Be aware, alert, question everything, and protect yourself.