Ohio officials warn of costly romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day
COLUMBUS (WTUZ) (Feb. 11, 2026) – The Ohio Department of Commerce is urging residents to stay vigilant as Valentine’s Day approaches, warning that romance scams continue to cause devastating financial losses—especially among older adults.
Attorney Inspector Janice Hitzeman says that with fraudsters expanding their reach through everyday technology, more Ohioans are becoming targets. Scammers often initiate contact through wrong-number texts, emails, or calls, then build fake relationships using aliases to gain trust.
Hitzeman says that romance scams are among the most damaging forms of financial fraud. According to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data, more than 7,600 Americans 60 and older reported losing over $389 million in 2024 alone to these schemes. She stresses that victims often lose savings accumulated over a lifetime.
Warning signs commonly include reluctance to meet in person or via video, exaggerated claims of wealth or success, pressure to send money or invest, and requests to keep conversations secret. Fraudsters may also attempt to move communication off dating platforms and onto encrypted apps like Telegram or WhatsApp.
“If somebody you’ve just met—or only know online—is asking you for money, you should really question that,” Hitzeman says. She recommends verifying the legitimacy of any investment opportunity and talking through concerns with a trusted friend or family member.
To stay safe, officials advise Ohioans to avoid sending money or gifts to anyone they have only met online and to be cautious of unregulated payment platforms. The Department of Commerce emphasizes that a few extra questions can prevent life‑changing financial loss.