Romance Scams in the Digital Age: How Cybercriminals Exploit Valentine’s Day

Online dating has changed how we connect with others, offering new opportunities for love and companionship. However, alongside these possibilities lies a troubling reality: cybercriminals using dating platforms to run elaborate scams.

Valentine’s Day is a prime time for these schemes. Scammers prey on heightened emotions and the desire for connection, creating fake identities and fabricating stories to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

This article explores the rise of romance scams during Valentine’s season and provides insights on recognizing warning signs to help protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Are Romance Scams?

Romance scams are a form of online fraud in which cybercriminals exploit emotional connections to trick individuals into sending money, sharing personal details, or both. These scams often start with fraudsters posing as genuine people on dating apps, social media, or email. Over time, they manipulate their victims by fostering trust and playing on emotions such as loneliness or the search for companionship.

These scams are widespread and costly. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reported that Canadians lost over $50 million to romance scams in 2022 alone. The anonymity of online interactions allows scammers to target anyone, though older adults are particularly vulnerable due to unfamiliarity with digital threats.

For instance, a recent case in Toronto involved a 68-year-old woman who lost over $200,000 to a scammer posing as a retired engineer working overseas. These heartbreaking stories highlight how scammers exploit trust and emotional vulnerability with devastating consequences.

How Romance Scams Work

Romance scams rely on psychological manipulation, with scammers carefully constructing schemes to gain the trust of their victims. They take advantage of human emotions—trust, empathy, and love—turning what should be a time of connection into an opportunity for financial and emotional harm.

Common tactics include:

Fake Profiles on Dating Apps and Social Media

Fraudsters create convincing profiles using stolen photos and fabricated details. They often present themselves as successful, attractive, and emotionally available—crafting an idealized persona designed to appeal to their target.

Building Trust Over Time

Once contact is established, scammers maintain frequent and affectionate communication. They shower their victims with compliments, claim to share similar interests, and express deep feelings quickly. This “love bombing” phase is designed to create a strong emotional attachment.

Fabricated Emergencies and Requests for Money

After gaining trust, scammers introduce a crisis. They may claim they need financial help for a medical emergency, a business setback, or travel costs preventing an in-person meeting. These stories are always urgent and emotionally charged to pressure victims into sending money.

Phishing Emails and Malicious Links on Valentine’s Day

During Valentine’s season, scammers escalate their efforts by sending phishing emails disguised as romantic e-cards or gift notifications, embedding malicious links that steal personal data.

Signs of a Romance Scam: Red Flags to Watch For

Romance scams have common warning signs. Stay alert for these red flags:

Avoiding Video Calls or In-Person Meetings

A major red flag is when someone consistently finds excuses to avoid video chatting or meeting in person. They may claim to be working on a classified project, deployed overseas, or stuck in a remote location.

Requests for Financial Help

Scammers will eventually ask for money, often citing urgent and emotional reasons such as medical expenses, legal issues, or travel emergencies. If someone you’ve never met in person asks for financial assistance, it’s almost always a scam.

Inconsistent or Overly Elaborate Personal Stories

Fraudsters frequently change details about their background. One day, they may be a wealthy entrepreneur, and the next, a military doctor stationed abroad. If their story shifts or seems too good to be true, take a step back.

Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

How can you safeguard yourself and those around you? Here are some practical steps:

Tip #1: Verify Their Identity

Don’t take online profiles at face value. Use reverse image search tools to check if their photos appear elsewhere on the internet. Scammers often steal images from public accounts to create fake personas.

Tip #2: Keep Personal Information Private

Avoid sharing personal details, such as your home address, workplace, or financial information, especially early in an online relationship. Scammers can use this information for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

Tip #3: Watch for Pressure Tactics

Scammers create urgency to push victims into making quick decisions. Whether they are asking for money or encouraging you to click on a link, be wary of pressure tactics that bypass rational thinking.

Tip #4: Be Cautious with Emails and Links

During Valentine’s season, be extra vigilant about unsolicited emails or messages containing links, even if they seem romantic. Fraudsters use phishing tactics disguised as e-cards, love letters, or gift notifications.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect you’re being targeted by a romance scam, take immediate action:

Stop All Communication

Once you suspect fraudulent activity, cease all contact with the individual. Block them on all platforms and avoid responding to their messages.

Report the Profile

Notify the dating site or social media platform where the scammer contacted you. Most platforms have reporting tools for fraudulent profiles.

Alert Canadian Authorities

File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) or your local police department. If financial transactions were involved, contact your bank immediately.

Warn Friends and Family

Scammers often target multiple people at once. Share your experience with loved ones—especially those who might be more vulnerable—to help prevent further victimization.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Romance scams thrive on emotional manipulation and a lack of awareness. By recognizing the warning signs and taking precautions, you can protect yourself and those around you.

Online dating can still be a great way to build meaningful connections. Staying informed and cautious will help you navigate digital relationships safely while avoiding scams. Protecting your heart—and your finances—doesn’t mean closing yourself off; it simply means staying smart and aware.