Valentine's Day 2022: Avoid these "romance scams."

Romance scams in 2021: Fraudsters to the left of you, fakers to the right

Love happens year-round, not only on Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, romance scams are the same. So, along with sharing (or not) some chocolate, make Valentine’s Day a time to share with people you care about some ways to spot and avoid romance scams. Because, according to a new FTC report, people sent $547 million to online romance scammers last year.

How can you avoid a romance scam?

If someone appears on your social media and rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down.
Don’t send a reload, prepaid, or gift card; don’t wire money; and don’t send cryptocurrency to someone you met online.
If you suspect a romance scam, cut off contact. Tell the online app or social media platform right away, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.