In light of Valentine’s Day, officials with the FBI-Dallas are taking the opportunity to warn the public about romance scams.
Romance scams are a “growing threat” targeting people seeking relationships online, according to a press release. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center shows that in 2024, Texans lost more than $57.14 million to “romance and confidence scams.”
“This time of year, it’s important to be aware of online romance scams,” said FBI-Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock in the release. “The criminals behind these scams exploit and target a person’s desire for a genuine connection.”
Criminals often use fake identities to gain a victim’s trust, then use the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to ask them for money.
“They prey on the vulnerable members of our communities, including the elderly,” Rothrock said. “We encourage the public to review the warning signs and to share this information with their loved ones.”
The FBI offered six pieces of advice to members of the public to avoid these scams:
- Limit posting personal information online, as it can be used to target victims.
- Research an internet user’s name, photo, and profile to see if they are already used elsewhere.
- Be wary if they suddenly ask to switch communication methods.
- Remember, scammers often promise to meet in person, but never show up.
- If someone suspects an online relationship is a scam, cut off all contact.
- Never send money to anyone you have only met online or by phone.
Potential victims of romance scams should immediately contact their bank, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, and contact the nearest FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or local police.
After launching a media company in Fort Worth, Dr. Phil McGraw investigated romance scams targeting older Americans.
He featured the story of a 67-year-old widow named Lucy, who lost her husband, then her money to a romance scam. She began dating a man who reached out to her on Facebook, claiming he was a doctor working in Syria.
“He wanted to come home to be with me, and I told him that I would help him,” Lucy said. “If he is innocent, and I don’t help him, I would never forgive myself.”
The man repeatedly asked Lucy for more money, claiming that if she helped him a little more, he could fly back to America.
“So many people say, it’s a scam, it’s fraud – they just want you for your money,” she said. “But when you talk to him, he makes you believe it.”