Romance Scam: FBI Releases List of Red Flags to Identify Scammers This Valentine’s Day
The FBI has warned of a spike in AI powered romance scams targeting Americans around Valentine’s Day. Fraudsters use fake identities, emotional manipulation, and urgent money requests to exploit victims. Officials advise watching for red flags such as refusal to video chat, fast moving relationships, and demands for cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Mumbai, February 15: Even though Valentine’s Day has just passed, federal authorities say the threat of romance scams remains high. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued fresh warnings about a surge in online dating fraud, highlighting how scammers are now using artificial intelligence and social media platforms to target victims in the United States.
Officials say these schemes are no longer limited to simple fake profiles. Instead, they have evolved into sophisticated cyber operations that blend emotional manipulation, financial fraud, and emerging AI tools. US Visa Scam: How To Identify Fake Agents? American Embassy Warns Against Fraudulent Brokers, Revealing Their Common Tricks in Video.
FBI Warns of AI Powered Romance Scams Around Valentine’s Day
How Romance Scams Work
Romance scams, sometimes called confidence fraud, begin when a criminal creates a fake identity on dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms. The scammer builds emotional trust over days or weeks before introducing a financial crisis.
Common fake backstories include:
• US military personnel stationed overseas
• Doctors working on international assignments
• Engineers on offshore oil rigs
• Business professionals stuck abroad
These narratives provide a convenient excuse for avoiding in person meetings.
AI Is Changing the Game
According to the FBI, scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to:
• Generate realistic profile photos
• Create deepfake videos
• Craft personalized, emotionally convincing messages
• Manage multiple victims simultaneously
AI tools reduce obvious grammatical errors and make conversations appear more authentic. This makes it harder for victims to identify traditional red flags. What Is Fake CAPTCHA Scam? Learn How Cybercriminals Target Users With New Method To Steal Valuable Information; Know How To Avoid Such Scams.
FBI Red Flags to Watch For
The FBI urges Americans to remain alert for these warning signs:
- Urgent Requests for Money
Scammers often invent emergencies involving medical bills, legal trouble, or travel expenses. They typically request payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Rapid Escalation of Romance
Fraudsters frequently declare love quickly and push conversations off dating apps to encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Refusal to Meet or Video Chat
Excuses like broken cameras, military restrictions, or poor internet connections are common.
- Inconsistent Details
Small contradictions in personal stories can signal a fabricated identity.
Financial Impact in the US
Romance scams consistently rank among the costliest forms of online fraud in the United States. Victims often lose thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond financial damage, emotional trauma can be severe.
The FBI encourages anyone who suspects fraud to stop communication immediately and file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
How to Protect Yourself
Authorities recommend:
• Conducting reverse image searches on profile pictures
• Avoiding financial transactions with people never met in person
• Never sharing bank details or intimate photos
• Discussing suspicious relationships with trusted friends or family
While Valentine’s Day may be over, experts stress that scammers operate year round. Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against digital heartbreak.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2026 08:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).