BBB Tip: Scammer or soulmate? How to avoid online romance scams

Social media and dating apps are great ways to meet new and interesting people for those looking for love, but beware – the people you meet may not be who they appear. Reports to government agencies and Better Business Bureau describe, in heartbreaking detail, the use of romance scams to steal millions of dollars from the public. In 2023, Texas residents reported a median loss of $3,000 to romance scams to BBB Scam Tracker, with total losses in the Lone Star State reaching $1.8 million. Across the U.S., consumers reported more than $14 million lost to these scams last year. Romance scams are particularly devastating due to the emotional and mental toll they inflict, along with the financial losses. Those targeted often spend weeks, months, or even years talking and building a relationship with an online interest who ultimately turns out to be a fake. In most cases, the financial losses associated with a romance scam occur when the scammer claims an emergency happened and they need money to help handle it. Some common reasons used are hospital bills (for themselves or their children), mortgage payments, or travel costs to visit. However, romance scams are also frequently used to establish...