Florida Attorney General’s Office Warns Floridians About Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine’s Day

View PDF
Release Date
Feb 13, 2025
Contact
Chase Sizemore
Phone
(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the Florida Attorney General’s Office is warning Floridians to be cautious of romance scams. According to one study, 37% of U.S. adults have used an online dating site or app. Scammers may try to take advantage of dating-platform users by creating fake profiles and forming relationships with targets to try to extort money from the victims. In 2023, Floridians lost more than $63 million in romance scams. The Florida Attorney General’s Office is issuing tips to help Floridians avoid falling victim to swindling sweethearts.

Acting Attorney General John Guard said, “Romance scams exploit the emotions of people seeking meaningful relationships, tricking victims into sending money to bad actors. As we approach Valentine’s Day, I encourage everyone to be aware of the warning signs of romance scams and know how to avoid falling victim.”

Romance scammers may create fake dating profiles to attract targets. Many schemes involve scammers sharing fake stories about financial hardships while begging a target for help. Unfortunately, these fabricated stories are almost always plots for a romance scammer to steal personal information or money.

Floridians on dating apps or sites should look out for these common warning signs of romance scams:

  • Anyone professing love or devotion surprisingly fast, as this may be a tactic to manipulate emotions and gain trust;
  • Being asked for money by anyone online, especially via wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency;
  • An online love interest never being able to meet in person or video call; and
  • Inconsistent information being given by a dating match.

Here are some tips to avoid falling prey to romance scams: 

  • Know that legitimate users of online-dating platforms typically have verified accounts with photos and detailed profiles;
  • Ask detailed questions and pay attention to see if answers seem suspicious or contradict prior information;
  • Only agree to meet up with a love interest in public locations for safety;
  • Be cautious chatting to anyone claiming to be overseas on business, especially if the person consistently avoids face-to-face meetings or video calls; and
  • Never send money to strangers.

For more information about romance scams, view the Office of the Attorney General’s Scams at a Glance: Swindling Sweethearts resource by clicking here.

To view Scams at a Glance: Swindling Sweethearts in Spanish, click here.

Floridians who suspect to be the target of a romance scam are encouraged to report it to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

# # #