Meta warns about rising romance scams, shares safety tips ahead of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love, but not everyone online has good intentions. Scammers often take advantage of people looking for companionship, especially during holidays. Meta has warned about the rise in romance scams and shared ways to stay safe while using Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

What are romance scams?

Romance scams happen when fraudsters pretend to be interested in a relationship to gain trust and eventually steal money. These scammers often pose as attractive, successful individuals, sometimes claiming to be in the military or business world. They send messages to many people at once, hoping someone will respond. Over time, they build a fake connection, then ask for money or suggest fake investment opportunities.

Also read: Lost over Rs 1 cr! Noida family becomes latest victim of digital scam, here’s what happened

How to stay safe online

Meta has launched a global anti-scam campaign to help users recognise and avoid these scams. Here are some key safety tips:

• Watch out for unexpected messages: If a stranger suddenly contacts you on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram, be cautious. You can adjust your privacy settings to limit who can message you.
• Do your research: If someone seems too good to be true, verify their profile. Check when their account was created, look up their name online, or do a reverse image search of their photos to see if they’re stolen.
• Be wary of requests for money or personal information: Scammers may ask for money. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before making any financial decisions.

Also read: Woman loses Rs 1.16 lakh after fake crime branch call: Here’s how the scam unfolded

This Valentine’s Day, be mindful of who you’re talking to online. While love can be exciting, staying cautious can help protect you from scams. If something feels off, trust your instincts and report suspicious activity.