Love Bombing or Red Flag? Spot a Romance Scam Fast

Romance scams often increase around Valentine’s Day as scammers exploit emotions and trust to target victims online. Students and staff alike can be affected, with scams leading to stolen money, personal information, and emotional distress.

Alien and astronaut holding hearts around a banner that says Breaking News Valentine's Day Edition

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Someone might fall for scamming— don’t let it be you.

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, many people are looking for love — but so are scammers. Romance scams are on the rise, and college students and staff are not immune. These scams can leave victims not just heartbroken, but also out hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

How Romance Scams Work

Scammers usually start with a message on:

A dating app (like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble)
Social media (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat)
Or even through DMs on gaming or study platforms

They’ll build a connection fast — complimenting you, sharing personal stories, and talking about a “future” together. But there’s a catch: you’ll never meet them in person. Eventually, they’ll ask for something.

Common red flags

They say they’re deployed, overseas, or traveling and can’t meet
They claim to have an emergency (hospital bill, visa issue, stolen wallet)
They ask for gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or Zelle payments
They want to move the conversation off-platform quickly
They love you… after just a few messages

How to Protect Yourself

Take It Slow
Real relationships take time. Be wary of anyone who moves fast emotionally or financially.
Verify Before You Trust
Reverse image search their profile pics. Video chat before you get too invested.
Never Send Money or Gifts
No matter how sad the story is — if you haven’t met them in person, don’t send funds.
Be Skeptical of Secrecy
Scammers often say “don’t tell anyone” — that’s a major red flag.
Trust Your Instincts
If it feels off, it probably is. Talk to a friend, family member, or coworker before making decisions.