FBI Warns of Rising Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine's Day

Officials urge skepticism and caution as scammers target lonely hearts online.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The FBI is warning the public about a surge in romance scams, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, as more people turn to online dating and social media to find love. Scammers are creating fake profiles to lure victims, manipulate them into sending money or sharing personal information, and directing them to fraudulent investment platforms where they can suffer substantial financial losses.

Why it matters

Romance scams have become increasingly common as online dating and social media use have risen. These scams can have devastating financial and emotional impacts on victims, costing Americans an estimated $10 billion per year. The FBI is hoping to raise awareness and prevent further losses by educating the public on the warning signs of these schemes.

The details

According to the FBI, scammers will often create fake profiles on dating sites or social media apps to initiate contact and build trust with potential victims. They then manipulate the victims into sending money or sharing sensitive personal information, sometimes under the guise of investment opportunities. One specific tactic, known as 'pig butchering,' involves scammers directing victims to fraudulent trading platforms where they can suffer major financial losses.

  • The FBI issued this warning on February 12, 2026, ahead of Valentine's Day.
  • In 2025, the FBI Boston office reported more than 700 people from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island fell victim to romance scams, losing roughly $20 million.

The players

Ted E. Docks

The special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, who warned that 'fraudsters are lurking online claiming to be looking for love when they're really just looking to loot your bank account.'

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

The agency that estimates romance scams cost Americans roughly $10 billion each year.

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What they’re saying

“Fraudsters are lurking online claiming to be looking for love when they're really just looking to loot your bank account. We're urging everyone to take a beat. The best weapon against these scammers is a healthy dose of skepticism.”

— Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division

What’s next

The FBI is urging anyone who falls victim to a romance scam to immediately report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The takeaway

As online dating and social media use continue to rise, the public must remain vigilant against romance scams that can have devastating financial and emotional consequences. Exercising caution, skepticism, and avoiding sharing personal or financial information with strangers online are key to protecting oneself from these increasingly sophisticated schemes.