THE GEN C:\> SCAN ROMANCE
Romance Scams & AI-Made Profiles
Someone you meet on a dating app or social media showers you with attention, says it's true love, but can never meet in person. Eventually they need money, or want to show you how to invest in crypto. The FBI says scammers use AI to create believable profile photos and messages.
"My darling, I can't wait to finally hold you. The oil rig won't release my pay until I clear a customs fee. Could you help with $2,500? I'll pay you back the day I land."
Red flags
- They can't meet in person or keep canceling video chats
- Moves fast to declarations of love
- Asks for money, gift cards, crypto, or a wire transfer
- Offers to teach you crypto investing
What to do
- Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven't met in person.
- Stop talking to them and tell someone you trust.
- Do a reverse image search of their profile photo.
Where to report it
- Report to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to the FBI: ic3.gov
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET)
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
- FTC: What To Know About Romance Scams
- FBI IC3 PSA I-120324-PSA: Criminals Use Generative AI to Facilitate Financial Fraud (Dec 3, 2024)
- FTC: What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams
Last checked: 2026-10-19. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.