As Valentine’s Day nears, the FBI Springfield Field Office is urging residents to be cautious of online relationships, which may not always be as genuine as they appear. Romance scams, where criminals use fake online identities to deceive victims for financial gain, remain a significant issue.
In 2023, Illinois residents lost nearly $19 million to romance scams, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Nationwide, losses from these scams totaled $652.5 million last year. Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson emphasized the importance of awareness in preventing these crimes, noting that recovering stolen funds is often difficult.
Romance scammers typically target victims through dating apps, websites, and social media, moving quickly to establish trust. Warning signs include requests to communicate off-platform, professions of love too soon, claims of living far away, and repeated excuses for canceling in-person visits. Victims may also be asked for money or personal information.
To protect yourself, the FBI recommends taking relationships slowly, researching profiles, and avoiding sharing personal information or sending money to individuals you haven’t met in person. If you suspect a scam, cut off communication immediately.
The FBI urges anyone who has been targeted or victimized to contact FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675 or file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Reporting these incidents can help law enforcement stop scammers and bring them to justice.
