Officials with IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) are warning the public about a surge in romance scams, which have become one of the most emotionally devastating financial crimes in the U.S. These schemes often start online, where criminals create fake profiles on social media or dating platforms to build false emotional connections with victims. Once trust is established, scammers manipulate victims into sending money, often their entire life savings, under false pretenses.

“Romance scams might look and feel like love, but they’re really about exploitation,” said Linda Nguyen, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Oakland Field Office. “These criminals knowingly prey upon trust and emotion to steal life savings and rob financial security. If something feels off, trust your instincts and protect both your heart and your money.”

How Romance Scams Work

Scammers create fake profiles and often pose as wealthy professionals or soldiers serving overseas.

They quickly establish trust, sometimes proposing marriage, and then fabricate emergencies requiring money.

Criminals often operate in organized rings, using fake photos, videos and documents to appear legitimate.

Victims are promised repayment, but the money never comes.

IRS-CI’s Role

Romance fraud schemes often involve wire fraud, money laundering, cryptocurrency misuse and international criminal networks. IRS-CI are the experts at tracing illicit funds in these ever complex, organized schemes.

Case initiations increased by 131 percent and indictments rose by 225 percent from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025.

Defendants convicted of romance fraud are sentenced to an average of more than four years in federal prison.

IRS-CI maintained a 100 percent conviction rate for romance fraud cases over the past three years.

Why the Increase?

Romance fraud has evolved into a global criminal enterprise. Scammers use encrypted messaging, cryptocurrency and fake identities to scale operations and target victims worldwide. Older Americans and individuals seeking connection are disproportionately affected.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Never send money to anyone you have only met online or by phone.

Take it slow when starting a new relationship; ask questions and verify identities.

Be cautious of those who seem too perfect or quickly move conversations off dating platforms.

Don’t share intimate photos or financial information that could be used to extort you.

Report suspicious activity to IRS-CI or local law enforcement.

If something feels off, it probably is. Protect your money and your heart. For more information or to report suspected fraud, visit IRS Criminal Investigation or contact the Oakland Field Office at OaklandFieldOffice@ci.irs.gov.

IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is the law enforcement arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, healthcare fraud, identity theft and more. The agency has 18 field offices located across the U.S. and 14 attaché posts abroad.