As Valentine’s Day approaches, many people more easily give in to the promise of a new relationship, which can cloud judgment and lead to missing early warning signs. It is precisely these situations, Visa states, that scammers try to exploit.

According to information provided by Visa, fake messages are shared daily through dating apps and social networks, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated methods, including artificial intelligence and other technologies, to manipulate victims and persuade them to send money through deception and artificially created emotional connections.

Visa also warns that scammers are increasingly using social networks and artificial intelligence tools to tailor messages to each individual. This means that a message that at first glance perfectly matches your interests and views may not be a coincidence, but part of a targeted approach.

Particularly risky behavior patterns include situations where a person declares love very early (“love bombing”), invents reasons why they cannot meet in person, and tries to move communication to private platforms and messaging apps. They also warn about scenarios in which conversations end with stories of alleged financial gain, creating a sense of urgency and pressure on the victim.

Additional warning signs include communication that is not based on logic and transparency, but on intensity, isolation, and obsession. Advances in technology can also be used by scammers to create fake photos and videos, including deepfake content, which can appear extremely convincing.

Visa states that it helps prevent thousands of fraud attempts on its network every day, but warns that criminals are often highly skilled manipulators. Therefore, consumers should be aware that profiles, messages, photos, and videos can appear very realistic.

The company advises caution when sending money to people you have met exclusively online, regardless of how urgent or credible the situation may seem.

If you suspect that you have been scammed, the recommendation is to report the incident to your bank as soon as possible. They also emphasize that no one should feel guilty or ashamed, as the targets of such scams are most often deliberately chosen.

How to recognize a potential romance scam – and what to do?

According to Visa, common warning signs include:

• Requests for money from a person you have not met in person, especially if they claim it is urgent or short-term

• Inconsistencies in their story

• Rapid sharing of personal details – especially tragic stories designed to evoke sympathy (and financial support)

• Reluctance to meet in person or have a video call (regardless of how much they insist they want to)

• Claims of high income or expectation of large financial gain, but without current access to funds

• Overly glamorous photos or only one or two pictures on a dating profile – most real people post a mix of professional and personal photos

It is also emphasized that it is important to verify identity through independent sources, including checking photos using reverse image search to determine whether they have been taken from other profiles or websites.

Finally, Visa advises being especially cautious with online relationships that develop too quickly, especially when someone says “I love you” very early on.