06/14/2026
⚠️ Important Community Alert: Romance Scams Are On The Rise ⚠️
We want to take a moment to talk about something that is affecting people of ALL ages right now, and it is more sophisticated than ever. Romance scams have increased dramatically, and today's technology makes them harder to spot than you might think. 💔
Here is what you need to know:
🎭 Scammers can now use a single video or photo found online to create a realistic deepfake of a real person, including someone who looks and sounds like a loved one, or an entirely new person who does not even exist. This means that even a VIDEO CALL is no longer a guarantee that you are talking to who you think you are.
🚩 Warning signs to watch for:
🔹 Someone you met online who seems too good to be true
🔹 Relationships that move very fast emotionally
🔹 Someone who always has an excuse not to meet in person
🔹 Requests for money, gift cards, or financial information
🔹 Stories that seem inconsistent or change over time
💙 Please check in on your loved ones, especially children and teens, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, who may be more vulnerable to these tactics. A quick, caring conversation could make all the difference.
🔒 A few tips to stay safer online:
🔹 Never send money to someone you have not met in person
🔹 Reverse image search profile photos
🔹 If something feels off, trust your gut and talk to someone you trust
🔹 Report suspected scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
You are not alone if this has happened to you or someone you love. These scams are designed by professionals to be convincing. There is no shame in being targeted. 🙏