With Valentine’s Day Saturday, officials with the Prescott Police Department are warning residents of romance scams. Romance scammers play on individuals’ romantic feelings to gain money or other resources. Police officials report individuals over the age of 50 account for nearly 40% of romance scam victims. They add scammers will use generative AI to create convincing profiles.
Police officials say to look out for over-eager expressions of love, requests for money or other financial assistance, stories that do not add up, and a reluctance to meet in person. Individuals can protect themselves by keeping personal data private, approaching new connections with caution, or using video calls to confirm someone’s identity. Remember, if something feels off, it probably is.