This week marks Valentine’s Day 2025! As the popularity of this romantic occasion has grown, so too have the cyber risks associated with dating, gift-giving, and online transactions. We have gathered insights from cybersecurity experts who share their thoughts on Valentine’s Day scams—from the threats facing love-struck consumers to the best practices for staying safe in the digital age.
Rebecca Moody, Head of Data Research at Comparitech:
“If you do meet someone online, even if it seems like a natural occurrence (i.e. some scammers befriend people on apps like Words with Friends), look out for these key warning signs that they may be a scammer:
- They ask you to move away from a dating website to communicate. For example, they may request that you chat with them through Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, or private email.
- They ask a lot of questions about you but don’t give much away about themselves.
- They say they’re in the military abroad, they work abroad (i.e. on an oil rig), or they’re helping out abroad (i.e. at an orphanage). They may also say they’re a highly qualified professional, i.e. a scientist or doctor who’s working abroad.
- They have poor spelling or grammar yet claim to be highly educated.
- They seem to move the relationship quickly, declaring their love or telling you that they’ve never felt this way before.
- They say they want to meet up but find numerous excuses not to, i.e. working abroad, canceling flights, or having financial troubles.
- They ask for money. Even if it is only for a small amount – be wary of anyone asking for financial help. Scammers frequently ask for help in the form of payment/gift cards, too, such as iTunes, Amazon, Steam, or Google Play cards.
- They ask if they can send you a package. In scams, the “package” gets held up in “customs” and you need to pay to have the goods released.
- They say their spouse has died of cancer and they are trying to look after their son/daughter.
- Scammers often blackmail victims by building a relationship with them, asking for nude photos to make them vulnerable, and then threatening to post those pictures on the internet if they don’t send money in return. The same goes for video calls, sometimes only for a few seconds so they can photoshop the victims face onto an explicit image.
- The FBI has warned people of a rising trend in which scammers persuade victims to send money to invest or trade cryptocurrency.
If any of these apply to someone you’ve just met or certain alarm bells are ringing, protect yourself by:
- Ceasing all communication with them.
- Talking to a loved one or friend to get their opinion.
- Searching for any images they’ve sent you using Google’s image reversing tool. Oftentimes, scammers will steal someone’s identity so you may find the image belongs to someone else.
- Looking for scams that sound similar to the stories you’ve been told. For example, if they say they’re in they’re trying to get discharged from the military or are working on an oil rig, look for other stories that sound similar.”
Truman Kain, Senior Researcher at Huntress:
“Romance scams are extremely common. If you spend more than a few days on a dating app, you’re bound to get a suspicious match or message. Romance scams have increased in frequency as dating app usage has grown, and they’ve seen a sharp increase over the past few years as AI tools have increased in capability and availability.”
“Whether they make their entrance on a dating app, in a social media direct message or other means, scammers are typically playing the long game in romance scams. They establish trust, build emotional connections, and then suddenly introduce a “crisis” that requires your financial help. Common examples of these crises? Medical emergencies, business losses and travel issues. Scammers will sometimes pretend to be military service members overseas. More recently, a related con, “pig butchering,” has taken off, where scammers have the goal of getting you to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes.”
“Previously, scammers would steal someone else’s photos and use them as their own. These days, scammers simply generate images with AI to meet their exact specifications. AI image generation is getting so good that it is even being used to bypass some of the verification checks offered by dating apps, like asking the user to take a selfie striking a certain pose. That’s not all. Scammers are even beginning to use AI and automation to carry out the primary portion of their scams—the messaging. In other words: not only are you not messaging the person you see in the photos… you’re not even messaging a person. It’s a bot.”
“Anyone can be a target, so it’s best to remember that if you’re using social media or dating apps, you will at some point become a target.”
“Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge. Social media apps like Instagram, Facebook and even LinkedIn.”
“The most insidious scammers don’t ask for money right away. They invest time in their victims, sometimes talking daily for months before making a financial request. The goal is to create emotional dependency. By the time they bring up a crisis or opportunity, you feel obligated to help. Some victims are manipulated for years before realizing that they’ve been scammed.”
“Before trusting someone online, it’s essential to verify their identity. Start by checking their online footprint, most genuine individuals will have some presence across social media or other platforms. You can also request a video call, though be aware that even live video is becoming vulnerable to deepfakes and voice cloning. Lastly, pay attention to inconsistencies in their story. If details don’t add up or seem too good to be true, it could be a red flag. Staying cautious and questioning anomalies can help protect you from falling victim to romance scams.”
“Users of dating apps can take several precautions to protect themselves from scams. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person; this is a common tactic used by fraudsters. Be wary of relationships that progress too quickly; if someone declares love within days, it’s likely a setup. Watch out for “love bombing,” where excessive affection is used as a manipulation tactic. Finally, enable security settings on dating apps, such as matching only with verified profiles, though keep in mind that some scammers can still bypass these checks. Staying alert can help you avoid falling victim to romance scams.”
“To stay safe on dating apps, users should take several precautions. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, as scammers often use this tactic to exploit trust. Be cautious of relationships that move too fast, if someone professes love within days, it’s likely a red flag. Watch for “love bombing,” where overwhelming affection is used to manipulate. Additionally, enable security settings, such as matching only with verified profiles, though be aware that scammers can sometimes bypass these measures. Staying vigilant and questioning inconsistencies can help protect against romance scams.”
Pooja Garg, managing principal, Black Duck:
“Cybercriminals operate at various levels. Some are highly sophisticated, equipped with advanced tools and carefully planned agendas, while others are inexperienced “script kiddies” experimenting with newly acquired skills. Even without malicious intent, their actions can have significant consequences.
“Major holidays and events create prime opportunities for cybercriminals, as people may be less cautious during emotional highs and lows. All it takes is one unsuspecting individual to fall for their tricks. Sophisticated attackers have access to cutting-edge tools and technology, often leveraging AI to create fraudulent websites and take them down quickly. They use text messages and emails to spread scams, crafting messages that create urgency or tie into current events.
“With Valentine’s Day approaching, many dating sites are aggressively marketing their services. However, a significant number of these platforms are not designed with security in mind, leading to risks such as stolen credit card information and hijacked profiles. The consequences of these scams extend beyond financial loss, often causing emotional distress, embarrassment, and a lasting distrust of online services.
“To stay safe, individuals should verify the source of spam messages and emails before engaging with them. It is crucial to create accounts only on reputable websites and follow security best practices, such as using strong passwords and limiting the sharing of personal information. When signing up for events, it is advisable to ensure they are managed by established organisations. Remaining vigilant and cautious can help protect against these threats.”
Adam Pilton, Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at CyberSmart:
“Romance scams aren’t dead! That’s what reports from some of the UK’s largest banks told us at the end of last year and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, some will be looking for love.
AI-powered romance scams will undoubtedly be a significant threat, scammers are able to send tailored responses with near-perfect spelling and grammar making them so much harder to identify as fraudulent. With the availability of AI platforms and access to Deepfake videos these criminals will utilise this technology to simulate live video calls making it exceptionally difficult for potential victims to spot the scam.
Ultimately social engineering principles that we see used in phishing emails will be what causes victims to part with their money. I’ve seen this during my time as a detective investigating cybercrime and still hear of it now. Scammers create a sense of urgency with creative stories that require immediate financial support causing their victims to feel compelled to help their new found love.
What can be done to prevent these attacks? As always being aware they exist is a priority In addition to this though, remaining open and honest with your friends and family so that they too can help spot scams. There was much publication of the recent scam where the victim believed she was dating Brad Pitt, it’s possible that if she had spoken to friends and family a lot sooner in this relationship, she may have seen that it was a scam.
It’s vital though that we verify identities of those we are speaking with online. Using tools such as reverse image searches helps to check if the picture you’re looking at has in fact been stolen from another social media profile. Conduct open-source research on the details that your potential partner has shared with you to see what information exists supporting their claims.
And maybe most importantly, never send money, avoid sending money gifts or making any form of investment before you’ve met the person regardless of what they say is a stake.”
Nick Knupffer, Head of Future Technologies at SURF Security:
“Romance scammers often target vulnerable individuals online, using social media, dating apps, and other platforms to exploit insecurities, desires, and weaknesses. You can be highly intelligent, but sharing personal challenges, such as updating your relationship status after a breakup or bereavement, or discussing marital issues in forums, can unknowingly make you a target for these criminals.
They create fake profiles, often using stolen images to impersonate attractive individuals, even celebrities, as in this case, or posing as military personnel, travellers, or entrepreneurs. After establishing a foundation of trust, they craft elaborate stories about facing challenging circumstances. These scammers make their victims feel special as if they are the only ones who can help. They manipulate their targets, and they use convincing tactics, including deepfake images, audio, and videos, to make their personas appear genuine.
Many scammers are now using AI, which has advanced significantly in recent years. As a result, AI-generated images have become increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect, even for the most vigilant victims. The accessibility and quality of AI image-generation tools have improved dramatically. While creating truly flawless images still requires some skill, it’s now within reach of many individuals with a basic understanding of these tools. The images can be incredibly convincing, especially when combined with a compelling narrative. Even someone with a keen eye can be fooled if they’re not actively looking for the subtle signs of manipulation.
If you think you’re being targeted by a romance scam, you need to be incredibly cautious about unsolicited contact, especially from individuals claiming to be celebrities or public figures. Verify their identity through official channels. Secondly, be wary of any requests for money or personal information, especially if the situation feels rushed or pressured. Look for inconsistencies in the communication – odd phrasing, grammatical errors, or requests that seem out of character.
Finally, this is where technology can help to your advantage. There is deepfake detecting software being developed designed to identify manipulated media in a single click, providing a vital line of defence against these scams. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. If something feels off, it probably is.
It is also important to know that once we are initially duped, it is very difficult to accept that the scenario we hoped was real is, in fact, a scam, and victims often cling to the hope that they really are in contact with a celebrity, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from trusted sources or report suspicious activity. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”
Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4:
“The most dangerous aspect of these scams is the emotional manipulation involved—once someone has fallen in love, it becomes incredibly difficult to convince them they are being deceived. Even when faced with undeniable proof, victims often continue believing in the scammer’s ever-evolving excuses, whether it’s a supposed legal battle, military secrecy, or a vengeful ex. These scams don’t just take money; they isolate victims from friends and family, making them even more vulnerable.
The best defence against romance scams is recognising the warning signs before getting emotionally invested. If you or someone you know is using dating apps, be aware of these red flags and ask:
- Is the person hastily trying to move off the dating site to another unmonitored platform?
- Do they ask a lot of questions before revealing anything about themselves to build trust quickly?
- Do they avoid phone calls or video chats, always making excuses?
- Do they claim to travel a lot or live in another country, making in-person meetings difficult?
- Have they planned to travel but suddenly encountered an emergency requiring money to get there?
- Do they ask for personal secrets or intimate photos that could later be used as blackmail?
- Have they claimed they were scammed before to gain your trust?
- Do they have a dramatic sob story about a deceased or unfaithful spouse, children left behind, or massive debt?
If the answer to more than one of these is “yes”, then it’s more than likely a romance scam. By staying aware and educating others, you can help prevent someone from falling into a romance scam.”
Lucy Finlay, Director, Secure Behaviour and Analytics at ThinkCyber Security:
“Romance scams are at an all-time high, leading to significant financial losses for many individuals. According to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), there were 8,792 reported cases of romance fraud, resulting in total losses exceeding £94.7 million. On average, each victim lost £10,774.
Scammers use various deceptive techniques, with emotional manipulation being one of the most common. These threat actors take advantage of cognitive biases, which are natural tendencies in the way we all interpret information and make decisions. For instance, many people subconsciously associate wealth and glamour with trustworthiness and good character due to a cognitive bias called the ‘halo effect’. This can lead victims to assume that attractive or well-dressed individuals are inherently good. The notorious ‘Tinder Swindler’ is a prime example, as he posed as a wealthy, jet-setting diamond mogul, to charm women online before scamming them out of millions of dollars. Similarly, MTV’s hit show Catfish highlights how people can form deep emotional connections with individuals who misrepresent their real identity online, often maintaining these deceptions for years.
How to Stay Safe from Romance Fraudsters:
- Always trust your gut. When something doesn’t feel right or feels too good to be true, unfortunately it often is.
- Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information when interacting with individuals you don’t know very well online.
- Always remain cautious about requests from strangers online, particularly in the context of money. Further advice can be found on actionfraud.police.uk.
- If something feels off, make sure to report any suspicious activity. In doing so, this can help prevent others from falling into the same trap.
- Be wary if they avoid meeting in person. Frequent excuses, such as work obligations or financial troubles, are common red flags in romance scams.
- Watch out for travel-related money requests. Scammers often claim they need funds to visit you but always encounter last-minute issues preventing them from traveling.”
Erich Kron, Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4:
“Romance scams are simply an incredibly successful form of emotional attack. These attacks often start with a simple introduction through email, a text message, or an online social media platform, then are followed by conversations meant to appeal to the victims’ emotions like feelings of loneliness or love.
People should be particularly on guard if they are engaged in an online romance, especially if someone you have never met in person asks for money or valuables. Romance scammers will often come up with a story about a hardship they have suffered, perhaps a lost job, an illness, or a similar issue that requires money to resolve quickly. While it can be hard for some people to believe these scams are successful, romance scams accounted for $1.14 billion in losses in 2023. These scammers are good at what they do and are very well funded. Generative AI tools are being used by attackers to generate very convincing images, videos, and audio that can be used to trick the victims into believing they are in a relationship with someone, even though that person has never existed.
The best way to avoid these scams is to avoid engaging in unsolicited conversations with strangers. If you receive an unsolicited text message, e-mail, or private message, simply delete the message before the scammers can get you hooked. But it is also important to pay attention to your emotions, and what the other person is asking from you. Many romance scam victims realize that they had suspicions early on, but talked themselves out of breaking contact because the scammers made them feel good. These scammers are masterful at manipulating emotions and should not be underestimated.”
Paolo Passeri, Cyber Intelligence Principal at Netskope:
“Sadly, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit human emotion. Social engineering attacks thrive on moments of vulnerability, and fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. In fact, AI-powered romance scams are raking in millions as fraudsters refine their deception tactics this Valentine’s Day.”
“Beyond dating scams, attackers continue to use traditional phishing tactics, such as fraudulent discount offers, fake e-cards, and malicious email attachments disguised as Valentine’s promotions. The risk moves from the personal domain into a corporate concern because of the prevalence of personal app usage on corporate devices—according to Netskope’s Cloud and Threat Report, 88% of employees use personal cloud apps on work networks.”
“People need to scrutinise their digital interactions more than ever, especially when emotions are involved. Businesses, in turn, must ensure the right protections are in place—blocking malicious content isn’t enough. A combination of awareness, intelligent security tools that incorporate real-time coaching, and a culture of reporting suspicious activity is essential to staying ahead of evolving threats.”
“This Valentine’s Day, cybersecurity teams must remind employees that they are the first line of cyber defence and vigilance is key. Whether it’s an unexpected love interest, a surprise gift email, or an irresistible discount, taking a moment to verify before clicking could mean the difference between staying secure and falling victim to an attack.”
