The FBI urges the public to #TakeABeat and watch for warning signs of romance scams, a form of confidence fraud. In these schemes, criminals often create fake online identities to build trust and emotional connections, then exploit that relationship for financial gain. Offenders often operate overseas, moving funds through foreign accounts, money mules, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Victims may be asked to send money, share personal information, or launder funds. As these scams grow more sophisticated, vigilance and skepticism are key defenses.

Victims across the San Antonio Division reported losing more than $28 million to confidence/romance scams in 2025, a sharp increase from $15.8 million in 2024, according to complaints filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Counties in the Austin Resident Agency’s territory saw the highest losses, with 181 victims reporting approximately $20.4 million in fraud, including nearly $19 million lost by individuals over age 50.

Common warning signs of online romance scams

  • Scammers often reuse stolen photos and fabricated profiles, making it important to run a reverse image search online to help determine if a profile picture has been used elsewhere, revealing potential fraud.
  • A scammer may present themselves as unusually perfect or emotionally intense, quickly building trust and pushing the relationship forward at an unrealistic pace.
  • They frequently attempt to move conversations off legitimate dating platforms, urging victims to communicate exclusively through email, texting, or encrypted messaging apps to avoid detection.
  • Many claim to live or work far away, often overseas or in remote locations.
  • Scammers commonly try to isolate victims from friends and family, discouraging outside opinions that might expose inconsistencies or red flags.
  • Elaborate stories involving personal tragedies or hardships are often used, such as family deaths, medical emergencies, or financial crises, to maintain emotional control.
  • Requests for money are a defining feature of romance scams, and while they may take weeks or months to surface, the request is almost inevitable. Scammers often operate from overseas and may ask victims to send funds through foreign bank accounts, money mules, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to make the transactions harder to trace.
  • Promises to meet in person are repeatedly delayed or canceled, usually due to sudden emergencies or work-related travel, prolonging the scam while keeping the victim emotionally invested.
  • Scammers may pressure victims into sharing intimate photos, which can later be used for blackmail/sextortion if the victim resists further demands.

Criminals leveraging artificial intelligence

Criminal actors are increasingly exploiting generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance fraud schemes. AI is being used to improve language translations and eliminate grammatical errors, generate realistic photos and digital content to create convincing personas, and produce messages that appear authentic and emotionally persuasive. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish fabricated materials from legitimate information. The FBI advises individuals to verify identities and claims through trusted, independent sources before sharing personal information and never send money, cryptocurrency, investments, gift cards or valuables to someone you’ve only met online.

Scams increasingly linked to cryptocurrency investment fraud

In addition to traditional romance scams, the FBI anticipates continued growth in international cryptocurrency investment scams, commonly referred to as “pig butchering” schemes. These highly scripted and contact-intensive scams often begin on dating or social media platforms.

After building trust over time, scammers persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency opportunities promising high or “guaranteed” returns. Victims are directed to professional-looking websites controlled by criminals that falsely display significant profits. When victims attempt to withdraw funds, requests are denied, and scammers ultimately cut off contact and abscond with the funds.

What to do if you suspect a romance scam

  • Stop all contact immediately.
  • Report it to police. File complaint at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
  • Do not delete communications.
  • If you sent money, contact your financial institution immediately.
  • If you downloaded software at the scammer’s request, immediately turn off Wi-Fi or disconnect from the internet first, then shut down the computer and report the incident to law enforcement.

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