San Diego, February 7, 2026
As Valentine’s Day nears, the FBI San Diego Field Office has alerted residents to a rise in online ‘romance scams.’ These scams involve fraudsters creating false identities to build trust with victims, ultimately exploiting them financially. In 2025 alone, San Diego victims reported losses of over $9.6 million. The FBI advises residents to be cautious online and protect personal information to avoid falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
San Diego Residents Warned About Valentine’s Day ‘Romance Scams’
San Diego, CA – As Valentine’s Day approaches, the FBI San Diego Field Office has issued a crucial warning to local residents regarding the alarming rise of online ‘romance scams.’ These scams typically involve fraudsters who create fake online identities in order to build trusting relationships with victims, ultimately exploiting them for money, personal information, or valuables.
In 2025, more than 250 victims from the San Diego area reported losing over $9.6 million to romance scams. Nationwide, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 18,000 reports of confidence and romance fraud in 2024, resulting in total losses exceeding $672 million. The increasing sophistication of these scams is underscored by the use of advanced tactics that include AI-generated content—such as images, videos, and voices—to make fraudulent profiles appear more believable. Scammers also often employ rehearsed scripts to manipulate individuals looking for companionship.
Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams
As San Diegans head into the Valentine’s season, it’s essential to be vigilant and informed. The FBI offers several recommendations to help residents avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes:
- Be cautious about what you share online: Limit the personal information you post publicly.
- Scrutinize online profiles: Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere or flagged by others as suspicious.
- Proceed slowly and ask questions: Take your time to get to know the person and ask plenty of questions to verify their identity.
- Protect sensitive information: Never share personal details such as your Social Security number, home address, passwords, or financial account information.
- Avoid isolation tactics: Be wary if the individual attempts to isolate you from family and friends or insists on moving conversations to encrypted messaging platforms.
- Resist financial requests: Do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you’ve never met in person, regardless of their story.
- Meet in public places: If you decide to meet someone you’ve met online, choose a public location and inform a friend or family member of your plans.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you believe you may have been targeted by a romance scam, it is important to act quickly. Cease all communication with the suspected scammer immediately and report the incident to your financial institution. Local law enforcement or the FBI San Diego Field Office can be contacted at 858-320-1800. Additionally, victims can file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Staying Vigilant During Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day can be a time of heightened emotions and desire for connection, it is crucial for San Diego residents to remain cautious. By following the recommended safety measures and being proactive, individuals can help protect themselves from the emotional and financial repercussions that often accompany these deceptive schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are romance scams?
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online identities to build trusting relationships with victims, ultimately exploiting them for money, personal information, or valuables.
How can I protect myself from romance scams?
To protect yourself, be cautious about what you share online, scrutinize online profiles, proceed slowly and ask questions, protect sensitive information, avoid isolation tactics, resist financial requests, and meet in public places if you decide to meet someone in person.
What should I do if I suspect I’ve been targeted by a romance scam?
If you suspect you’ve been targeted, cease all communication with the suspected scammer, report the incident to your financial institution, and contact local law enforcement or the FBI San Diego Field Office at 858-320-1800. Additionally, file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Key Features of Romance Scams
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fake Online Identities | Scammers create false profiles to gain trust and affection. |
| Advanced Manipulation Tactics | Use of AI-generated content and well-rehearsed scripts to deceive victims. |
| Financial Exploitation | Requests for money, personal information, or valuables under false pretenses. |
| Emotional Harm | Victims often experience significant emotional distress and financial loss. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
