Romance Scams Target Dating App Users

After 43 years of marriage, 72-year-old Gary found himself facing the quiet weight of loneliness. Hoping to reconnect and perhaps find companionship, he turned to technology—and met someone named Nasha on a dating app. She said she lived nearby in the Chicago suburbs. They bonded over long conversations and shared interests. But months later, Nasha was gone—along with $50,000 of Gary’s life savings.

Sadly, Gary’s story is far from unique. Online romance scams are thriving, fueled by the popularity of dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid. But the scammers don’t stop there. According to NBC 5 Chicago, fraudsters are increasingly reaching out through Facebook, Instagram, and even business-oriented platforms like LinkedIn. And as long as people continue to fall for their stories, the scams won’t stop.

In 2023 alone, romance scammers stole over $1 billion from Americans, according to The Week. Early estimates suggest that 2024 saw similar losses. That kind of money makes romance scams one of the most profitable types of online fraud—and one of the most devastating, especially for older adults looking for companionship.

Making matters worse, new AI tools allow scammers to create extremely realistic fake photos, often using images of attractive strangers—or even well-known celebrities. According to the BBC, a French woman lost $850,000 to a scammer posing as actor Brad Pitt. The fraudster used AI-generated images and convincing messages to build trust before making financial requests. Pitt’s representative expressed sympathy for the victim and warned others to be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming to be from celebrities.

So how can you tell if your online connection is a scam?

The United States Secret Service advises people to watch out for these red flags:

• Frequent requests for money, especially for travel expenses, emergencies, or investment opportunities.

• Pressure to send gifts like phones or laptops.

• Requests for gift cards—and instructions to share the codes through messaging apps.

• Urgent pleas for financial help tied to a sudden crisis.

Scammers often try to build a strong emotional bond before making these requests. They may avoid video chats or cancel plans to meet in person. Even if they do agree to a video call, keep in mind that AI technology can fake those too.

The best defense is simple: never send money or share financial information with someone you’ve never met in person. That includes opening bank accounts, investing in their business idea, or revealing sensitive personal details. Emotional messages, flattery, and even long text conversations are not proof of someone’s identity—or their intentions.

It’s natural to want connection, especially after loss or isolation. But online romance scammers are counting on that vulnerability to exploit trust and drain bank accounts. If something feels off, talk to a friend or family member before taking any steps involving money. And remember: real love doesn’t come with a price tag—or a gift card request.