JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office is warning the public to be cautious this Valentine’s Day after more than 550 people across Northeast Florida reported losing a total of $22.2 million to romance scams in 2025.
The losses were reported from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Tallahassee and the Panhandle, the office said. Complaints and losses tied to confidence and romance fraud nationwide have risen compared with the 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center annual report, and officials say many incidents likely go unreported.
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Romance scammers often create convincing profiles on dating sites, apps and social media to form romantic connections, then exploit victims for money.
Scammers frequently claim they cannot meet in person because of overseas work, travel or family responsibilities and ask for funds to cover plane tickets, unexpected expenses or medical emergencies.
Some introduce secretive investment opportunities and pressure victims to send large sums while forbidding discussions with friends or family.
The FBI said criminals increasingly use generative AI to make scams more believable — producing photos, improving translations and polishing messages to appear authentic.
The FBI offered these tips:
- Research photos and profiles using reverse-image searches and ask questions to verify identities.
- Don’t share sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, home addresses or account numbers.
- Never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Be wary of tragic stories meant to elicit sympathy and isolate you from friends or family.
- If you plan to meet someone in person, choose a public place, tell someone your plans and check State Department travel advisories before traveling abroad.
If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop contact immediately and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Victims who already sent money should report the incident to their financial institution right away.