Romance Scam Warnings as Valentine's Day Nears

As Valentine's Day approaches, romance scams are on the rise, with authorities from regions including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Zealand issuing warnings. Scammers often use dating apps or social media to build fake personas and exploit victims emotionally and financially. Significant financial losses have been reported, such as $600 million in the US last year and $3 million in cryptocurrency scams in Beaufort County. Authorities and tech companies like Meta are working to combat these scams by providing safety tips, like using reverse image search and reporting suspicious profiles. Staying cautious and discussing online relationships with trusted friends or family can help individuals avoid becoming victims.