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By Hollie Silverman
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Multiple FBI field offices are warning the public about romance scams intensifying ahead of Valentine’s Day this week, urging vigilance and immediate reporting of suspicious online relationships.
In Virginia alone, more than 200 romance scam complaints were filed last year, with reported losses totaling $20,259,599, FBI Norfolk said in a press release on Monday. The release emphasized that actual losses were likely higher due to underreporting.
The FBI’s Boston and Jacksonville, Florida, divisions also cited millions in regional losses reported in 2025 and highlighted scammers’ growing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing profiles and media.
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Newsweek reached out to the FBI by email Monday for more information.
What To Know
Officials said scams frequently start on dating apps or social platforms before escalating to financial requests for emergencies, travel, medical bills, investments, or cryptocurrency, and urged people to report suspected scams quickly to help law enforcement disrupt criminal networks.
Field offices also warned that scammers increasingly used AI to generate photos, videos, and polished messages that reduce obvious language errors, making schemes more believable and harder for victims to detect.
What Is a Romance Scam?
Romance scams occur when criminals create fake online identities, build trust and emotional connections, and then manipulate victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive information, often via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid cards.
Common red flags included quick professions of love, refusal to meet or video chat, claims of overseas travel or work, pressure for secrecy, and urgent requests for money for emergencies, investments, or travel, the FBI warned.
How Much Do Romance Scams Cost Americans Annually?
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) publishes annual, nationwide figures for “confidence/romance fraud” losses in its annual reports.
The 2024 IC3 Annual Report shows that over 17,000 complaints were lodged for romance scams in 2024, costing Americans at least $672,009,052. National totals for 2025 had not been published as of early February 2026 and will appear once IC3 finalizes its 2025 report
Regional data released by field offices showed continued high losses in 2025, with more than 700 victims across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island reported approximately $20 million in losses, and more than 550 victims in FBI Jacksonville’s area reported $22.2 million in losses.
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How Can You Report a Suspected Romance Scam?
The FBI urged anyone who suspects an online relationship is a scam to stop all contact immediately and file a complaint at the IC3 and to quickly notify their financial institution if money was sent.
Victims or witnesses also could contact a local FBI field office or local law enforcement.
What People Are Saying
Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI Norfolk, Virginia, field office, said in a press release Monday: “Romance scams are especially devastating because they exploit trust and emotion. Behind every report is a real person who believed they had found a genuine connection. Our message is simple: Learn to recognize the red flags. Ask yourself if what you’re being told is real. Talk to your family and friends. When something feels rushed, pause.”
Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said a Monday press release: “Fraudsters are lurking online claiming to be looking for love when they’re really just looking to loot your bank account. We’re urging everyone to take a beat. The best weapon against these scammers is a healthy dose of skepticism. But if you do fall victim, report it to us immediately so the FBI and our law enforcement partners can do everything in our power to bring these criminals to justice."
Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia, said in a separate press release: “Don’t just follow your heart—trust your gut when seeking companionship online. Requests for money, cryptocurrency, or your personal information are clear warning signs of a scam, not a legitimate relationship. If you encounter any of these red flags or something doesn't feel right, end all communication immediately and report the activity to the FBI at ic3.gov.”
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