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For several months, Laura thought she had made a genuine connection. She met Daniel in an online group, and although he lived across the country, he made her feel seen and supported. They talked every day, sharing stories, plans for the future, and even dreams of meeting one day.

Then one evening, everything changed.

Daniel messaged Laura in a panic, saying he'd had a sudden medical emergency and needed money right away. He said he didn't have anyone else to turn to. Worried and wanting to help someone she grew to care for; Laura sent the money.

A few days later, Daniel disappeared.

His phone number stopped working, the social media profile vanished, and Laura soon realized she had been manipulated by a romance scammer. The emotional and financial impact was devastating, but her story is far from uncommon.

As Valentine's Day approaches, it's especially important to protect yourself and those you love from these increasingly sophisticated scams.

How to Spot a Romance Scam

Romance scammers are experts at creating intimacy quickly and using that connection for financial gain. According to experts cited by AARP, here are some of the most common red flags:

• A "wrong number" text that starts friendly conversation. Scammers often begin with an innocent‑sounding wrong‑number text. If you respond, they may slowly turn the conversation into something more personal.
• They want to move off the dating platform. If you met on a dating site, they may push you to switch to texting, WhatsApp, or another messaging app. Dating platforms have fraud‑prevention systems, so scammers try to avoid them.
• They live far away. They may claim they are abroad for business, deployed in the military, or traveling for charity work, anything that prevents meeting in person.
• Constant communication and love bombing. They text you morning and night. They talk about your future together far too soon. The attention feels flattering but it's strategic.
• Sudden emergency requests for money. This is the classic moment the scam begins: a medical crisis, a legal issue, a lost wallet, a business disaster. You’re the “only one” who can help.
• Offers of an investment opportunity. Some scammers claim a relative has made money in cryptocurrency and want you to “benefit too”, a tactic designed to gain your trust before taking your funds.

How to Avoid Romance Scams

AARP experts suggest taking these steps to protect yourself:

• Be careful not to overshare. Scammers study social media for clues about your vulnerabilities. Sharing about heartbreak, loneliness, or recent loss may make you a target.
• Use technology to filter out scammers. Set your social accounts to private, enable email filters, and use spam‑blocking tools from your carrier. These tools can help block suspicious messages before you even see them.
• Discuss new love interests with friends and family. This is one of the strongest safeguards. Loved ones can spot red flags you may miss, especially when emotions are involved.
• Investigate your suitor. Do a reverse image search of profile photos. Look up details they’ve shared. If anything doesn’t match or the picture appears under another name, treat it as a warning sign.
• Avoid investing with someone you've never met in person. Scammers often manipulate through “exclusive opportunities.” Legitimate investments never require secretive, high‑pressure decisions with a stranger online.
• Cut off contact immediately if something feels wrong. If your instincts say something is off, trust them. Stop responding, block the person, and report the account if possible.

Romance scams can happen to anyone. Scammers are skilled manipulators, and their tactics are designed to take advantage of emotion, trust, and hope. But by staying alert, asking questions, and leaning on the support of friends, family, and your trusted financial institutions, you can keep yourself and your finances safe.

If you ever suspect fraud or need help protecting your accounts, IAA Credit Union is here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out.

 

Information originally posted by AARP and the FTC, adapted by IAA Credit Union.