💔 With Valentine's Day around the corner, it's the perfect time to talk about romance scams. Whether you're dating online or looking out for friends and family, knowing the signs can help protect your heart and your wallet.
🚨 Top 5 Romance Scam Red Flags
1️⃣ Stay Calm—Scammers use urgency to pressure you. If someone you've never met is rushing you to send money, take a step back and think.
2️⃣ They move fast—too fast. If they're declaring love or talking about "destiny" within days, it's a red flag.
3️⃣ They always have an excuse to not meet. If they claim to be overseas for work or military service and keep canceling plans, beware.
4️⃣ They ask for money—directly or indirectly. They might request gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, often using a personal crisis as an excuse.
5️⃣ Their story keeps changing. Inconsistencies, vague answers, or disappearing and reappearing under a new name? Major red flag.
🛑 How to Protect Yourself
✔ Never send money or share personal financial info.
✔ Do a reverse image search on their photos.
✔ Stay on the platform you met them on—scammers want to move to private messaging.
✔ Talk to friends or family if something feels off.
✔ Trust your gut—if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
🚨 In 2023, Nevadans lost $5.8 million to romance scams. By the time scammers ask for money, their victims have often spent months building what feels like a real relationship. The red flags don't always appear right away—they surface once you're emotionally invested. If two or more warning signs pop up, don't be afraid to walk away. Stay alert and trust your gut!
Learn More at our Fraud Center.
