Overview: Romance Scams

Many people find genuine love online, but others are targeted by romance scammers who leave them heartbroken and financially devastated.

The anonymity of the internet and the rise of artificial intelligence allow these scams to flourish, as criminals target potential victims on dating sites and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They may spend weeks or months building trust and forging an emotional connection, always with an excuse for why they can’t meet in person. Then comes an urgent request for money — or a supposed cryptocurrency investment opportunity.

AARP’s romance scams series explains how these schemes work, the warning signs to watch for and how to stay safe when meeting new people on dating sites or social media.