REGION — Ahead of Valentine’s Day, FBI Philadelphia is reminding the public to be cautious of potential romance and confidence fraud scams as criminals look to con those looking for companionship.

Romance scams often begin through dating apps or on social media. Scammers create fake identities and build relationships over time, carefully gaining a victim’s trust before creating opportunities or emergencies that prompt requests for money from the victim. These requests can involve wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards.

“Don’t just follow your heart—trust your gut when seeking companionship online,” said FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs. “Requests for money, cryptocurrency, or your personal information are clear warning signs of a scam, not a legitimate relationship. If you encounter any of these red flags or something doesn't feel right, end all communication immediately and report the activity to the FBI at ic3.gov.”

If you develop a romantic relationship with someone you meet online:

• Think twice before you share personal information online. Scammers can use details shared on dating sites and social media platforms to better target victims.
• If you try online dating, only use dating sites with well-known reputations. Search people’s photos and profiles online to see if anyone has used the names, images, or information elsewhere.
• Take the relationship slow and ask lots of questions.
• Beware if the person quickly asks you to leave a dating app or social media platform to go “offline” — or tries to isolate you from friends and family.
• It’s a major red flag if the individual promises to meet in person, then always finds an excuse to postpone it.
• Never send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to anyone you’ve only communicated with online or by phone.

If you are the victim of a romance scam, immediately file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.