Officials Warn of Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine's Day

Scammers use AI, deepfakes to exploit trust and target seniors, authorities say

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland is warning individuals about romance scams just days away from Valentine's Day. Scammers are exploiting trust and using artificial intelligence and deepfakes to deceive victims, often targeting senior citizens. Authorities advise looking for signs of deepfakes, such as unnatural blinking, odd lighting, and off movements, and to speak with potential partners in person or via video call to verify their identity.

Why it matters

Romance scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers leveraging new technologies like AI and deepfakes to target vulnerable individuals. As Valentine's Day approaches, authorities want to raise awareness about these scams to protect consumers, especially seniors who are often the primary targets.

The details

According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers will often connect with victims on dating apps or social media, build trust, and then ask them to move conversations off-platform and make payments via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Paul Keener, a cybersecurity strategist, noted that scammers can now generate realistic-looking deepfakes within 10-15 seconds, making it difficult for victims to detect. Authorities advise looking for signs of deepfakes, such as unnatural blinking, odd lighting, and movement that seems off. They also recommend speaking with potential partners in person or via video call to verify their identity.

  • The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland issued the warning just days ahead of Valentine's Day 2026.

The players

Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland

A local chapter of the national consumer protection organization that provides guidance and warnings about scams and fraudulent activities.

Clay Campbell

A spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland who discussed the organization's warning about romance scams.

Paul Keener

A cybersecurity strategist with GuidePoint Security who provided insights on the use of AI and deepfakes in romance scams.

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What they’re saying

“Trust is the foundation for any relationship, but in a romance scam, you know that trust is weaponized.”

— Clay Campbell, Spokesperson, Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland (98online.com)

“On the video side, what they'll do for the deepfakes is they'll take videos, they'll do some video, and the AI is good enough now that it can generate a realistic-looking deepfake within about 10 to 15 seconds of it listening to anything that you're saying.”

— Paul Keener, Cybersecurity Strategist, GuidePoint Security (98online.com)

“When you're seeing these types of deepfakes, you're looking for some unnatural types of things like blinking. The lighting is weird. There's kind of the movement, maybe a little bit off. There's some little red flags if it doesn't feel right, if it doesn't feel authentic.”

— Paul Keener, Cybersecurity Strategist, GuidePoint Security (98online.com)

What’s next

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland advises individuals to be cautious when connecting with potential romantic partners online and to look for signs of deepfakes or other suspicious behavior. They recommend speaking with potential partners in person or via video call to verify their identity.

The takeaway

As romance scams become more sophisticated, with the use of AI and deepfakes, it's crucial for consumers, especially seniors, to be vigilant when connecting with potential partners online. Authorities urge individuals to look for red flags, verify identities, and avoid sending money or gifts to someone they've only met virtually.