In the first nine months of 2025, individuals reported losing $1.16 billion to online romance scams. That number represents a 22% increase over the same period in 2024, with nearly 60% of those scammed saying the process began on social media.
But “romance scams” are only a part of a much larger trend of individuals posing as others online for nefarious purposes. Total losses tied to scams on social media hit $2.1 billion in 2025.
“Who is this person – and are they who they really claim to be?” That’s the question that many are now asking at the start of any interaction that starts online. Whether it’s a first date or a potential business deal, a name and … Read the rest