AI-Powered Romance Scams Target Los Angeles Singles Ahead of Valentine's Day

Experts warn of AI-generated photos, videos, and voice messages used to lure victims into fake crypto investments

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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As Valentine's Day approaches, scammers are using artificial intelligence to create stunningly realistic photos, videos, and voice messages to build trust with victims before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Authorities are urging Los Angeles daters to be cautious, verify identities, and report any suspected scams to help investigators crack down on these growing "pig butchering" operations.

Why it matters

These AI-powered romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, costing victims billions of dollars globally. With the rise in online dating and crypto investment activity around Valentine's Day, experts warn that Los Angeles residents are prime targets for these predatory schemes that leverage emotional manipulation and advanced technology.

The details

Scammers are using AI-generated photos, videos, and voice messages sent over social media and email to build trust with victims over weeks or months before asking them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. These "pig butchering" operations often feature fake trading dashboards showing big gains to lure victims, as well as sudden "unlock" or "tax" fees when they try to withdraw their money. Experts say the scale and efficiency of these AI-enabled scams are staggering, with each operation pulling in roughly 4.5 times more than traditional romance cons.

  • As Valentine's Day approaches in 2026, scammers are ramping up these AI-powered romance scams targeting Los Angeles daters.
  • In 2025, cryptocurrency scams brought in at least $14 billion, a figure that is projected to top $17 billion as more illicit activity is identified.

The players

Eyal Elazar

An analyst at Riskified who warns that scammers are exploiting people's vulnerability and desperation around finding love.

Chainalysis

A blockchain research firm that estimates crypto scams brought in at least $14 billion in 2025 and projects the figure could top $17 billion as more illicit activity is identified.

University of Texas at Austin

Researchers who say the long-form "pig butchering" scheme has already cost victims tens of billions of dollars worldwide, with roughly $75 billion in total losses and about $15 billion taken from Americans.

BrokerChooser

Analysts who have broken down the common playbook used in these AI-powered romance scams, from the initial "wrong number" text to the final lockout from the fake investment platform.

FBI

The agency that advises victims who have already sent money to contact their bank or financial institution immediately and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

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What they’re saying

“There are people who could be slightly more desperate or more open to believing someone if they fall in love.”

— Eyal Elazar, Analyst, Riskified (NBC Los Angeles)

What’s next

Law enforcement agencies are ramping up investigations into these AI-powered romance scams, but recovering lost funds after they have moved through cryptocurrency rails remains a significant challenge. Regulators from the CFTC to the DOJ are increasingly focusing on these fraud networks, underscoring the importance for victims to report suspected scams quickly to aid in larger crackdown efforts.

The takeaway

As online dating and crypto investment activity surge around Valentine's Day, Los Angeles residents must be extremely cautious and vigilant against these increasingly sophisticated AI-powered romance scams. Slowing down, verifying identities, and promptly reporting any suspected fraud are crucial steps to limit the damage and help authorities dismantle the larger criminal operations behind these predatory schemes.