This problem has worsened over the years. More than $1 billion was lost to romance scammers in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and 2024 figures are expected to be comparable once finalized.

Islanders lost about £406,000 last year from romance scams, Jersey police have said. Recent figures from the police showed five cases had been reported in Jersey in 2024, compared to three cases the year before.

Tina Martin the First Vice President of Security and Fraud Investigations from FIU tells Breana Pitts how to avoid being scammed out of money when you're looking for love online.