Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning Arizonans to ditch the rose-colored glasses this Valentine's Day and stay wary of romance scams.
Romance scams are designed to tug on a victims’ heartstrings. In 2021, Arizona victims felt the pull on their wallets instead, to the tune of nearly $21 million. That’s a 65% increase from the year prior.
Mayes said knowing what to look out for on dating apps or social media platforms can help. If someone is quick to profess their love, asks for money, or suddenly cancels plans to meet due to an “emergency,” she says it’s possible they are after more than just your heart.
The Arizona Attorney General's Office encourages anyone who has been a victim of fraud to file a consumer complaint at azag.gov.
Warning signs of romance scams
- The scammer is quick to profess love.
- The scammer's profile contains vague information and few images.
- The scammer is quick to profess love.
- The scammer asks for money, particularly through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- The scammer asks to move to a different communication platform.
- The scammer makes plans to meet, but cancels due to an "emergency."
