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Story summary
- Romance scams in the United States rose in 2022, with 70,000 victims and around $240 million in losses, especially among older adults.
- Scammers use social engineering and often demand funds via cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- Individuals should verify online profiles, keep chats on dating platforms, and never send money.
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) coordinates to combat romance scams and aid victims; many scammers are trafficking victims forced into fraud dens.
