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.

Another report shared to the BBB Scam Tracker in November 2024 detailed how a scammer impersonated Elon Musk to steal $700 in gift cards from a person in Vancouver who believed they had romantically matched online with Musk. The Better Business Bureau reminds Valentine’s Day romantics to be smart when sharing personal information online.