FBI Warns of Valentine's Day 'Confidence' Scams Targeting Tri-State Residents

Scammers prey on lonely hearts, but Midwest common sense can help avoid becoming a victim

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The FBI is warning Tri-State residents about an increase in 'confidence' or romance scams around Valentine's Day, where scammers target lonely individuals by building a false sense of trust before asking for money. The article provides tips to avoid falling victim to these scams, which have cost Americans over $400 million in recent years.

Why it matters

Romance scams are a growing problem, especially around holidays like Valentine's Day when people are more vulnerable. These scams can have devastating financial and emotional impacts on victims, many of whom are older adults. Raising awareness about the tactics used by scammers is crucial to help protect the community.

The details

Scammers typically initiate contact through dating sites, texts, or calls, and quickly work to build a sense of trust and connection. They may ask about the victim's personal life and remember details, creating the illusion of a real relationship. Eventually, they claim to need financial help for an emergency, business deal, or travel, asking the victim to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency - which is nearly impossible to trace.

  • In 2024, over 7,000 Americans over 60 lost nearly $400 million to romance scams.
  • Illinois ranks 6th in the nation for internet-based financial crimes, with over 25,000 cases and nearly $500 million in reported losses.

The players

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has warned about the rise in romance scams targeting Tri-State residents.

IC3

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, which tracks data on internet-based financial crimes.

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What’s next

The FBI encourages anyone who believes they have been targeted by a romance scam to report it at ic3.gov, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or contact local law enforcement.

The takeaway

Awareness and caution are key to avoiding becoming a victim of a Valentine's Day 'confidence' scam. By recognizing the warning signs and refusing to send money or personal information to someone they haven't met in person, Tri-State residents can protect themselves from these increasingly common and costly scams.