Scam Types
Romance Scams
Scam type — FTC & BBB data
Scam types are defined by regulators and consumer groups. Below you will find the latest stats and reporting links for this category.
Last updated: March 2026
FTC Consumer Sentinel (national)
- Reports: 64,000
- Total loss: $1300M
- Median loss: $2,000
BBB Scam Tracker 2024
- Reports 2024: 3,241
- Risk score: 9
- Median loss: $2,218
- Top contact: Online (Dating Apps/Social Media)
What is this scam?
Fraudsters build fake romantic relationships to extract money, often requesting gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
How to avoid & report
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
- Verify contact details independently (official website, phone number).
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the BBB at bbb.org/file-a-complaint.