Consumer Protection warns of 'romance scams'

ALBANY | As Valentine's Day approaches, the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is warning New Yorkers about romance scams. Romance scams occur when a criminal uses a fake identity to feign romantic interest, prey on emotions and trust, and manipulate or steal from a victim. According to the Federal Trade Commission, in the first three quarters of 2025 New Yorkers reported over $42 million in losses in connection with romance scams. Romance scams can affect anyone, but some groups are more commonly targeted, such as older adults— and especially widows, widowers and recent divorcees. Romance scams are especially common online since criminals can create fake accounts on many platforms to find potential victims. "So-called 'romance scams' exploit people's emotions and trust, and no New Yorker should have to pay the price, emotionally or financially, for unscrupulous actors," said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. "As online interactions become more common, especially around Valentine's Day, it's critical that consumers know the warning signs used by romance scammers in an effort to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their finances. The Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection has the tools and information New Yorkers need to stay safe." The Division of Consumer Protection is providing the following tips to help New Yorkers recognize and avoid romance scams. COMMON SIGNS OF A ROMANCE SCAM Fake Online Profiles: Scammers create the illusion of someone you would be attracted to and trust. They may create profiles on many online platforms including social media, dating sites, messaging apps and porn sites. They may find images online to use in their profile to lure unsuspecting victims. They may also create deepfakes - convincing fake images or videos made with AI or photo or video editing software. Unexpected Contact: Scammers may reach out online after using a variety of methods to learn about their victims. They will do online research or use the information on your social media profile to tap into your interests and emotions, spark a conversation and build a relationship. Build Trust: Scammers are patient and may communicate for weeks or months until they've earned your trust.Unavailable to meet in person: Scammers may propose an in-person meeting, even offering to travel to see you, but then claim a last-minute emergency preventing it from happening. Scammers will often say they are working outside of the country, creating a convenient reason not to meet in person. Be suspicious of anyone who says they want to meet but then always makes excuses for why they can't. Request Money: Scammers often start by requesting small amounts of money and paying it back quickly to build trust. Eventually, the scammers may request a large sum of money, usually as a loan, to be wired to them for things ranging from business investments, property purchases, debt payments, illness and more. They may even ask for money for airfare so they can visit you. Once they receive the money, the scammer may ask for additional funds or create a new reason they need to borrow money. This will continue until the victim becomes suspicious, at which point the scammer will usually stop all contact and disappear. Fake Cryptocurrency Investment: The FBI has identified a trend in which criminals are increasingly pressuring victims to invest in cryptocurrency. The scam typically starts as an online relationship similar to those used in other romance scams but instead of asking for cash, the scammer convinces the victim to invest in cryptocurrency. To demonstrate the returns on investment, victims are directed to fake websites that trick them into believing the investment opportunities are legitimate. Once the victim transfers their money, they find they are unable to cash out their investments and the scammer vanishes. Liability: Scammers may convert their victims into unwitting criminals by convincing them to launder and move fraudulent funds, which the victim may then be liable for financially and, potentially, criminally. TIPS ON AVOIDING ROMANCE SCAMS If someone you haven't met in person asks you for money, assume it is a scam, even if they say they need it for an emergency or traumatic life event. Never give or loan money to someone that you have not met in person. Remember that sending someone prepaid cards, gift cards and cryptocurrency is equal to sending cash that you cannot get back. If someone asks for these types of payments, assume it is a scam. Do not give out personal information to someone online, including payment and banking information, especially if you have not met them before. Use trusted online dating sites, but still exercise caution. Beware of online interactions that quickly ask you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. Be cautious of people you meet online who say they are an American abroad or a deployed soldier. Schedule a live video-chat early in the relationship to ensure they are the person they are presenting in their profile. Live video is more difficult to fake than pre-recorded videos or phone calls. Research anyone in whom you have an interest. Ask questions. Look them up online. Verify details where you can.Do a reverse image search of the person's profile picture. If it is linked to another name or details that don't line up, it's likely a scam. Familiarize yourself with privacy settings for all your online platforms and consider limiting who has access to your personal information, contact lists and location. Turn off or cover your web cameras when you're not using them. Don't keep it a secret. Talk to a friend or relative about online interactions. View Consumer Protection's video on romance scams here.

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Consumer Protection warns of 'romance scams'

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