TEXAS — According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams cost victims in the U.S. more than $1 billion annually. Texas is one of the worst states for the scams, the FTC has reported.

This is top of mind as Valentine’s Day approaches, and the FTC has tips to avoid getting swindled while seeking love.

What is a romance scam?

According to the FTC, victims are typically targeted on dating websites or apps. The victim is contacted, and the perpetrator wants to email, call or message that person off the platform.

The scammer may claim to be in love with the victim, but they live far away — possibly for work or they’re in the military. Then they start asking for money. It’s usually for something urgent such as emergency surgery.

Scammers will create fake profiles on dating apps and sometimes contact victims through social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram.

Beginning in 2021, victims reported paying scammers more with gift cards than any other form of payment. 2021 reports also showed that cryptocurrency payments were the costliest.

The lies scammers tell

According to the FTC, scammers will adjust their stories to what they think will work in different situations.

The thieves will frequently tell potential victims that they can’t meet in person. Once they gain trust, they will always request money. Once the victim agrees, the scammer will tell them how to pay and will usually want the money quickly. They will want the money in a way that makes it hard for the victim to get it back. That might include wiring it through a company like Western Union, putting money on gift cards, providing PIN codes, sending money through a money transfer app or transferring cryptocurrency.

How to avoid being a victim

The most important thing, the FTC says, is never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person.

If you suspect a romance scam:

• Stop communicating with the person immediately.
• Search online for the type of job the person claims to have, plus the word “scammer.” People might have posted about similar stories.
• Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. If it doesn’t match up, it could be a scam.

How to report a romance scam

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, wire transfer, credit or debit card or cryptocurrency, contact the company or bank immediately. Tell them you paid a scammer and request a refund.

You can also report a scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Notify the social networking site or app on which you met the scammer, too.