BOSTON, MA (MyKeeneNow) As Valentine’s Day approaches, federal investigators are warning New Englanders that online romance can come with a steep price tag.

The FBI’s Boston Division says hundreds of people across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island reported being financially devastated by romance scams in 2025, with losses totaling about $20 million. More than 700 victims came forward — and authorities believe many others never reported what happened because they felt embarrassed or ashamed.

“Criminals are exploiting people who are simply looking for companionship,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, in a news release. He urged people to slow down when forming online relationships and to be wary of requests involving money or personal information. “A healthy dose of skepticism can protect both your heart and your wallet,” he said, adding that victims should report scams right away so investigators can pursue those responsible.

According to the FBI, scammers typically create fake profiles on dating apps and social media platforms, investing significant time building trust before introducing financial requests. Some persuade victims to move conversations off mainstream platforms to encrypted messaging apps. Others claim urgent hardships — from medical emergencies to travel problems — to justify asking for money.

Investigators say evolving technology is making these schemes harder to detect. Fraudsters are increasingly using generative artificial intelligence to refine their messages, eliminate spelling or grammar mistakes, translate conversations seamlessly, and even generate convincing photos to bolster their fake identities.

Recent cases across the region highlight the scale of the problem:

  • A Casco, Maine woman lost $20,000 to a man she met online who claimed he needed help returning to the United States from Cuba. Even after her bank warned her the situation appeared fraudulent, she hesitated to report it.

  • A South Hamilton, Massachusetts man was defrauded of $1 million after a woman he met online persuaded him to make a series of “investments” through an encrypted app.

  • A Derry, New Hampshire man lost $1.5 million after months of online communication with someone who convinced him to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform.

  • A Cranston, Rhode Island woman sent roughly $15,000 in savings and gift cards to a man she met on Facebook who said he was living in the Dominican Republic.

The FBI advises anyone forming a relationship online to take precautions. That includes researching profile photos to see if they appear elsewhere on the internet, being cautious about moving conversations off dating platforms, and never sending money, sharing banking details, or transferring funds on someone else’s behalf. Authorities also caution against sending intimate photos that could later be used for blackmail.

People planning to meet someone in person should choose a public location and inform family or friends of their plans. Those considering travel abroad to meet someone they met online are encouraged to review State Department travel advisories and avoid traveling alone.

Anyone who believes they are being targeted by a romance scam should immediately cut off contact and file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Victims who have already sent money should contact their financial institution without delay.

Federal officials emphasize that while Valentine’s Day celebrates love, scammers see the season as an opportunity — and awareness remains the strongest defense.