ATLANTA – As Valentine’s Day approaches, special agents with the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office are urging the public to remain alert to romance scams that exploit trust and emotional connection for financial gain.
Romance fraud is one of the most emotionally and financially devastating crimes, often targeting older Americans and individuals seeking companionship.
“A victim of a romance scam is not only harmed financially, but emotionally as well,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman. “Feelings of embarrassment and shame often delay reporting, which allows criminals to continue their schemes.”
In Fiscal Year 2025, IRS-CI saw romance fraud cases more than triple from the previous year. Over the past three fiscal years, IRS-CI has maintained a 100% conviction rate in romance fraud-related cases, with offenders receiving an average sentence of more than four years in federal prison.
Romance scams often involve fake online profiles used to build trust before requesting money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. In some cases, scammers also use compromising photos for blackmail. These crimes frequently intersect with money laundering, wire fraud, cryptocurrency misuse, and transnational criminal organizations.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do not send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
- Avoid rushed financial decisions.
- Verify identities through trusted, independent sources.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
- Report suspicious activity to IRS-CI or local law enforcement.
Victims age 60 or older can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Recent cases investigated by IRS-CI Atlanta include significant prison sentences and millions of dollars in restitution for individuals involved in romance fraud and related schemes.