online romance scam

In an unprecedented move, a collaborative effort between UK and Nigeria has resulted in the apprehension of more than 30 individuals linked to romance and financial fraud schemes. Code-named Operation Seraphim, this initiative aimed to dismantle organized crime entities that have inflicted severe financial damage through deceptive practices and money laundering operations.

Social media has become a primary avenue for online scams in the US, with nearly 30% of reported fraud victims in 2025 losing money to schemes originating on these platforms. Total losses from social media scams reached $2.1 billion, an eightfold increase since 2020, with Facebook leading in reported financial losses.

Scammers are using fake AI bots to build emotional connections. These bots then manipulate users into sending money. An AI companion expert shares five red flags to identify these scams. Legitimate platforms offer transparent pricing and no emotional pressure. Users must be vigilant to protect themselves from these online schemes.

A British widow, Janet Fordham, tragically died in a road crash in Ghana after travelling to meet an online contact. She had previously lost up to £1 million to romance scams, leaving her financially devastated. Despite family warnings and bank restrictions, she continued sending money. Her journey to Ghana was reportedly for marriage discussions when the fatal accident occurred.

Delhi Police on Thursday arrested a man for allegedly defrauding more than 500 women across the country of nearly Rs 2 crore by targeting them through dating and matrimonial applications, officials said.

Fraudsters are using advanced AI to create convincing fake videos and voices. They impersonate executives, celebrities and even loved ones to trick people into sending money. Cybersecurity experts warn that these deepfake scams are becoming more common and sophisticated. Staying vigilant and verifying unexpected requests through separate channels is crucial for protection against these evolving threats.

A French woman lost nearly £700,000 to scammers impersonating Brad Pitt, believing she'd found love. The fraudsters used AI-generated images and fabricated stories of illness and financial woes. Despite losing her savings and home, she claims the ordeal freed her from a miserable marriage, finding a strange sense of liberation in her newfound poverty.

A Japanese woman lost nearly $6,700 to a scammer posing as an astronaut needing funds to return to Earth. Hokkaido police warn of rising online fraud targeting vulnerable seniors, including 'ore-ore' scams. This incident reflects a global surge in romance scams, with Americans losing over $1 billion in 2023 alone.

A woman used AI to scam her neighbour with a fake romantic relationship, aided by her husband. The police uncovered the deception, highlighting the prevalence of AI voice scams and the importance of verifying identities through video calls.

An engineering graduate in Visakhapatnam fell victim to an online dating scam, losing over Rs 28 lakh. The victim was manipulated by fraudsters who created fake profiles to establish romantic relationships. One gang member has been identified, with investigations ongoing. Authorities urge caution, advising against sharing personal details or transferring money to online acquaintances.

Meta is proactively addressing online romance scams by launching new tools on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The company collaborates with researchers and law enforcement while removing fraudulent accounts and scam websites.

A man in Shanghai was deceived into sending nearly $28,000 to scammers who used AI-generated images to create a fake girlfriend. The scammers created realistic visuals and fake documents to manipulate the victim into believing his online lover needed financial help. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of AI-generated scams globally.

Dating today is largely online, increasing the risk of romance scams, where fraudsters spend months grooming victims before requesting money. In 2023, these scams cost nearly £6 million, with victims often targeted for their emotional vulnerability. To stay safe, users should verify identities, be cautious, and report suspicious activity.

Interpol warns about increasing Valentine's Day and online dating scams. Scammers ask for bank transfers, gift cards, and reloadable debit cards. They establish fake relationships and manipulate victims into making bad money choices through fake investing tips and schemes.

In the past five years, people have reported losing a staggering $1.3 billion to romance scams, more than any other FTC fraud category.