Valentine’s Day Crypto Warning: US Attorney Issues Crypto-Fueled Romance Scam Alert
The US Department of Justice has issued a Valentine’s Day warning about cryptocurrency-fueled romance scams. Fraudsters typically approach victims on dating sites or social media, using fake profiles and stolen photos to build emotional trust over weeks or months. They then fabricate emergencies and request payments in crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers—methods that are difficult to reverse.
Recent cases include a Colorado man who lost $1.4 million after meeting a woman on a dating app who persuaded him to invest in crypto. According to Chainalysis, crypto scams received at least $14 billion in 2025, with impersonation scams surging by 1,400% compared to the previous year. Authorities advise conducting reverse image searches, consulting trusted friends before sending money, and reporting suspicious activity to the FBI.
ccn.com02/14 14:09
