Romance Scam
FTC-documented romance scams are consistently among the top fraud categories by losses. In 2026, AI generates fake profile photos and deepfake video calls to make fake romantic relationships more convincing. The FTC reports most victims are contacted via social media or dating apps.
Reports
Part of $12.5B FTC 2024 losses
First documented
2015
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Scammer creates a fake profile (military officer, offshore oil worker, doctor working abroad). Builds a romantic relationship over weeks or months. Eventually asks for money for an emergency (medical, plane ticket, customs fees). Once you send money, they ask for more. In the cryptocurrency variant, they introduce a 'great investment opportunity' their cousin runs.
4 red flags
FTC 2024: romance scams rank among the highest-loss fraud categories
Person has never video called you or the video is oddly low quality / pixelated (deepfake)
Claims to be stationed overseas (military), on an oil rig, or working abroad
Any request for money from someone you have never met in person
What to do
Do a reverse image search of any profile photos — scammers use stolen images
Video call and watch for signs of deepfake (blurring around face, lip sync issues)
Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Report this scam
Source
FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — romance scams documented; FBI IC3 2024 — top elder fraud category; FTC consumer.ftc.gov alert
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-you-need-know-about-romance-scams ↗People also search for
Frequently asked questions
What is the Romance Scam?▼
FTC-documented romance scams are consistently among the top fraud categories by losses. In 2026, AI generates fake profile photos and deepfake video calls to make fake romantic relationships more convincing. The FTC reports most victims are contacted via social media or dating apps.
How do I recognize a Romance Scam?▼
Red flags: FTC 2024: romance scams rank among the highest-loss fraud categories; Person has never video called you or the video is oddly low quality / pixelated (deepfake); Claims to be stationed overseas (military), on an oil rig, or working abroad.
What should I do if I receive a Romance Scam?▼
Do a reverse image search of any profile photos — scammers use stolen images Video call and watch for signs of deepfake (blurring around face, lip sync issues) Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person
How common is the Romance Scam?▼
Part of $12.5B FTC 2024 losses. First documented: 2015. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — romance scams documented; FBI IC3 2024 — top elder fraud category; FTC consumer.ftc.gov alert.
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Check your message →Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — romance scams documented; FBI IC3 2024 — top elder fraud category; FTC consumer.ftc.gov alert
First documented: 2015 · Last active: 2026-03
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