Love is in the air around Valentine’s Day, and so is an increase in online connections through dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of this time of year. Romance scams continue to be one of the fastest-growing types of fraud, often beginning with what feels like a real connection and ending in financial loss or stolen personal information.

As technology changes, so do the tactics scammers use. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by building strong online safety habits that safeguard your personal information and finances.

Be cautious with online relationships. Not everyone online is who they claim to be. Scammers frequently create convincing profiles, use stolen photos, and spend time building trust before introducing requests for money or personal information. Warning signs may include avoiding in-person meetings or video calls, sharing stories that don’t quite add up, or quickly introducing financial emergencies or investment opportunities.

Never send money or share financial information with someone you haven’t met in person. Romance scams often involve requests for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or access to bank accounts. Even if a relationship feels genuine, financial and personal information should never be shared online. In some cases, scammers gain access to real accounts and impersonate people you already know.

Protect your personal information at all times. Avoid sharing details such as your address, workplace, banking information, or passwords. Be mindful of what you post on social media, including travel plans or daily routines, and keep privacy settings enabled. Once photos or information are shared, you lose control over how they may be used.

Practice safe browsing habits. Fake websites are commonly used to collect personal or financial information. Always double-check website addresses, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, and avoid clicking links sent through emails or text messages. When in doubt, navigate directly to official websites.

Strengthen your account security. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid using easily guessed information such as names, birthdays, or other details that may be publicly available.

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, act quickly. Change your passwords immediately, monitor your accounts closely, contact your financial institution, and report suspected identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov. In some situations, placing a credit freeze may also be a smart step.

This Valentine’s Day, protect what matters most. Healthy relationships don’t involve secrecy, pressure, or requests for money. Trust your instincts, and take steps to protect both your heart and your finances.