Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs With Valentine’s Day approaching, the FBI has issued a stark warning about the rise of “sinister” romance scams targeting individuals online. These scams are emotionally and financially devastating and prey on those seeking companionship.Newsweek reached out to the FBI Philadelphia Field Office via email for comment.Why It MattersIn 2023, victims lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These scams drain people’s bank accounts and erode trust in online relationships, severely impacting mental health and emotional well-being.Becoming a victim doesn’t just mean losing money. It often leads to feelings of betrayal, isolation and shame, making recovery difficult. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent financial loss and emotional trauma.What To KnowRomance scams often begin on dating apps, social media platforms or even through emails. Scammers create fake profiles, using stolen photos and fabricated personal details to lure unsuspecting victims. They establish trust quickly, often professing love or deep affection within days or weeks.
Messages that Shreya Datta, a tech professional who was a victim of an online scam known as “pig butchering,” exchanged with a person who would later turn out to be a scammer are displayed on…
Messages that Shreya Datta, a tech professional who was a victim of an online scam known as “pig butchering,” exchanged with a person who would later turn out to be a scammer are displayed on her phone in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 9, 2024. The “wine trader” wooed her online for months with his flirtatious smile and emoji-sprinkled texts. Then he went for the kill, defrauding the Philadelphia-based tech professional out of $450,000 in a cryptocurrency romance scam.
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The FBI Philadelphia field office released a press release on February 6, highlighting the dangers of online romance scams, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches.”Romance scammers are working to be your ‘perfect match’; what might begin as a seemingly innocent connection can quickly turn sinister as criminals cash in on those looking for companionship,” Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia, said in the press release.A notable type of romance scam involves scammers impersonating famous actors like Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves and Johnny Depp. These scammers use stolen photos and fake profiles to deceive victims, often leading to substantial financial losses. One woman recently lost $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt, according to McAfee, an internet security company.Military romance scams are also common, where fraudsters pose as deployed service members unable to meet in person. They exploit the respect and trust people have for military personnel, making their lies more believable.Cryptocurrency scams are also a growing concern. Scammers convince victims to invest in fake crypto opportunities, often promising high returns. According to the FTC, a significant portion of the money lost to romance scams in 2024 was linked to cryptocurrency fraud.How to Spot a Romance ScamRed flags include requests for money, reluctance to meet in person or video chat and inconsistent stories. According to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network, here are the most common lies told by Romance Scammers in 2022:
What People Are SayingWayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia, stated in a press release: “Romance scammers are working to be your ‘perfect match’; what might begin as a seemingly innocent connection can quickly turn sinister as criminals cash in on those looking for companionship. As always, we encourage the public to be mindful when forging a relationship online, exercise caution navigating the cyber landscape, and report suspected scams to the FBI.”Amy Bunn, online safety advocate at McAfee, told Newsweek: “Romance scams are becoming more sophisticated, with scammers using AI and deepfake technology to build trust and manipulate victims emotionally and financially. These scams often follow a familiar pattern—quickly moving conversations off dating platforms, avoiding video calls, and creating urgent reasons to ask for money.While reporting scams to the FBI and online platforms is important, recovering lost funds can be difficult, and many victims never see justice. The best defense is prevention—be cautious of online relationships that escalate too quickly, verify identities through video calls or reverse search profile images, and never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.As AI-driven deception becomes more convincing, staying informed and using tools that detect fraudulent behavior can help people protect both their hearts and their wallets.”Gary Barksdale, chief postal inspector for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), stated in a press release: “Protecting the sanctity and integrity of the mail is our top priority. This includes protecting customers from mail-related crimes, including fraudulent schemes like romance scams. Public awareness is critical in stopping these criminals before they cause harm.”What Happens NextIf you suspect you’re a victim of a romance scam, report it immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the FTC.The United States Postal Service (USPS) is also warning people about romance fraud ahead of Valentine’s Day. In case of mail fraud, you can report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
