Story perspectives
FBI Alerts: Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day
2/12/2026
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Story summary
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns romance scams are surging ahead of Valentine's Day.
- In 2024, Idaho reported 58 victims losing over $545,000 to romance scams.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported nationwide losses of $3 billion from romance scams last year.
- Experts emphasize red flags such as reluctance to meet in person and requests for financial help and urge victims to verify profiles and avoid sharing personal information.
