Valentine’s Day 2026 brings some encouraging news. New US legislation is advancing through Congress and even dating platforms such as Tinder are rolling out stronger verification. More about this later in the article.
The difference in 2026 is not just scale – it is how these scams operate.
“The scams we’re seeing in 2026 are not the same ones we saw even two years ago. AI has given criminals the ability to create entire fake identities – photos, voices, even live video – and manage thousands of victims at once. But every scam leaves a trail on the blockchain. When people report through Scam Alert, they give us the data to trace those funds and help stop the next victim from losing money.”
– Sam Rogers, Associate Director of Product – Scam Alert, Crystal Intelligence.
AI has given criminals powerful new tools, from deepfake video calls to voice cloning. But knowledge, reporting, and new protections are fighting back. Here is what you need to know to stay safe this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Romance scams are not new, but 2026 is different
Romance scams follow a familiar pattern. A scammer builds a fake online identity, develops a relationship over weeks or months, and then asks for money. The twist in recent years is the ‘pig butchering’ model, where scammers guide victims into fake cryptocurrency investments, showing fabricated returns before draining their funds. Crystal’s guide to crypto romance scamming covers the warning signs and how these schemes work
What has changed is the technology. Criminal organizations now run large-scale fraud operations from compounds like the one Reuters recently uncovered in Cambodia, using AI to target thousands of people at once. According to AARP’s February 2026 research, nearly one in 10 adults aged 50 and older have had an online romantic connection ask them for money or push a crypto investment. Adults aged 50 to 64 face this risk at more than double the rate of those 65 and older.
How AI is powering romance scams across three layers
AI is now integrated across the entire scam operation, from first contact to the moment money is stolen.
Identity creation
AI-generated profile photos cannot be traced through reverse image search. Voice cloning allows scammers to create convincing audio with just a short sample. The FBI Norfolk Field Office confirmed in February 2026 that criminals now use AI-generated voice messages to make schemes more believable. Most alarming is real-time deepfake video – scammers can appear on a live video call using a completely fabricated face. A Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million after a scammer maintained a relationship using these tactics over many months.
Scale and personalization
Criminal organizations use large language model-assisted scripts and automated sentiment analysis to adjust their tone based on how a victim responds. This allows operations to manage thousands of relationships at once. Translation tools enable cross-border targeting, meaning a criminal organization in one country can run convincing scams in any language. According to the FBI San Francisco Division, romance scam losses in Northern California jumped from roughly $22 million in 2024 to more than $40 million in 2025.
Platform simulation
Scammers now build AI-generated fake trading dashboards that mirror real cryptocurrency exchanges. Victims see fabricated balances growing in real time, complete with chatbot “customer support” inside fraudulent apps. These fake platforms use real market data to appear legitimate, making it extremely difficult for victims to recognize the fraud until they try to withdraw funds.
Warning signs of crypto romance scams
AI has made scams more convincing, but clear red flags remain. Knowing these signs is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
- They refuse to meet in person or always cancel at the last minute
- They quickly suggest moving the conversation off the dating app to WhatsApp or Telegram
- They bring up cryptocurrency investments, often through a “friend” or “mentor”
- They show you impressive returns on unfamiliar trading platforms
- They ask you to send money, crypto, or gift cards for any reason
- Video calls feel slightly “off” – unnatural eye movement, lighting inconsistencies, or audio that does not sync with lip movements
- They try to isolate you from friends and family
- They promise guaranteed or unusually consistent investment returns
Key advice from Crystal’s experts:
- Never invest based on someone you met only online
- Refuse requests to move conversations off regulated platforms
- Verify trading platforms independently before transferring any funds
- Be cautious of guaranteed or consistent returns – legitimate investments carry risk
- Report suspicious activity early, before more money is lost
Positive developments: fighting back against romance scams
Governments, platforms, and financial institutions are taking real action. The Romance Scam Prevention Act passed the US House of Representatives in June 2025 and is now before the Senate. The bill would require dating platforms to notify users if they have received messages from someone banned for fraud, and to share scam prevention resources.
In October 2025, Tinder announced the US rollout of Face Check, a mandatory facial verification feature for new users. In markets where Face Check is active, Tinder reported a more than 60% decrease in exposure to potential bad actors.
Financial institutions are stepping up too. Patelco Credit Union prevented more than $2.7 million in fraud losses for elderly members in 2025. Mastercard’s Consumer Fraud Risk solution uses AI to flag suspicious recipient accounts in real time, contributing to a 12% reduction in the total value of authorized push payment scams in the UK since 2023.
Barclays research shows 76% of consumers want tech companies to do more to prevent romance scams on their platforms. This demand is driving change across the industry.
Why reporting to Scam Alert matters
Despite the scale of the problem, 55% of romance scam victims never report the crime, according to AARP’s February 2026 survey. Shame is the primary reason.
This is why Crystal’s Scam Alert platform exists. It provides a victim-friendly way to report crypto scams that feeds directly into verified blockchain intelligence. To date, the platform has recorded thousands of scam reports and flagged over hundreds of thousands addresses linked to fraudulent activity.
If someone suspects they have been targeted, they can report at Scam Alert. By reporting, they receive a structured investigation report designed to give law enforcement and exchanges the information they need to take action. One report can prevent dozens of future victims from losing money.
Protect yourself and help others
Romance scams have entered a new era with AI, but so has the fight against them. The most powerful protection remains awareness. If something feels wrong about an online relationship, slow down. Share this article with someone who might need it. Spring is peak scam season, and awareness is the first line of defense.
First steps? Talk to someone you trust.
