Heartless: How Much Montanans Lose in Valentine’s Romance Scams

When love is in the air, predators are in cyber space trying to take advantage of those who are seeking companionship.

The guess here is that it would often be embarrassing to admit that you fell victim to such scam activity. But the numbers don't lie, and projections are they will only get more  staggering with schemes getting more sophisticated.

Staci Stefan with Prism PR Group sent us some scary figures from a recent study that shows singles looking for love online this Valentine’s Day should be on high alert. Americans lost a record $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2022, up from $547 million the previous year! AND the financial devastation is expected to reach new heights this year as scammers flood dating apps and social media to prey on lonely singles.

THE HOTTEST TREND IN THEFT

Prism says that scammers have grown increasingly sophisticated using new technology and cryptocurrency was the No. 1 payment method accounting for 34% of all scams. Social Catfish, a company that verifies online identities, released the study using 2023 data from the FBI and Federal Trade Commission.

THE BIGGEST LOSERS AT LOVE AND WHERE FOR ART THOU, MONTANA?

The 10 states most at-risk for romance scams are California ($158 million lost), Texas ($60.3 million), Florida ($53.4 million), New York ($33.5 million), Arizona ($25.4 million), Virginia ($24.8 million), Washington ($21.1 million), Ohio ($20.4 million), North Carolina ($18 million), and Illinois $17.7 million).

Given those staggering numbers, 79 reported victims and losses of $2 million sound kind of modest in comparison. But considering Montana's much smaller population, those figures are certainly eye-catching, as that would be an average of $25,316 per victim. That ranks the Treasure State 41st in overall number of victims, but 34th in lost money per individual!

THE RED FLAGS ARE NOTHING NEW

>>>Requests for money in gift cards or crypto.

>>>Very attractive photos with fake profiles.

>>>Refusal to meet in person or video chat.

>>>Claims of decorated military backgrounds.

>>>Poor grammar.

It really comes down to not being fooled or being way too trusting, especially in a vulnerable state of seeking companionship. Social Catfish has lots of details on what you can do to stay clear of falling victim here. And be sure to check out how a Reverse Image Search can be a helpful Cupid's arrow to have in your quiver here.