Love may be in the air this February, but for scammers, it’s prime time to prey on emotions and bank accounts. Romance scams have evolved far beyond sweet-talking strangers online. Today’s fraudsters are increasingly focused on financial manipulation, targeting victims with fake payment app requests, gift card demands, and even fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes.

At Consumers National Bank, your safety — emotional and financial - is our priority. This month’s Fraud Friday blog explores how these scammers operate, the red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself or someone you love from falling victim to these high-cost cons.

The New Face of Romance Scams

Romance scams often start with an innocent message, a friend request on social media, a match on a dating app, or even an email. But once trust is gained, the scammer’s ultimate goal becomes clear: money.

Modern romance scammers are increasingly tech-savvy. They’re not just asking for help with a "sick relative" or a "plane ticket." Instead, they’re convincing victims to send money through popular peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps, buy gift cards, or invest in fake cryptocurrency ventures. These requests can feel subtle at first, a small loan, a financial favor, or a shared opportunity, but the emotional manipulation can escalate quickly and cost victims thousands.

Fake Payment App Requests: Easy to Send, Hard to Undo

Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle® make it easy to send money, and even easier for scammers to exploit. A romantic fraudster might claim their app is “locked” or their bank account is “frozen” and ask their partner to send funds directly. Some even impersonate payment confirmation screens or send fake screenshots to convince victims that the transaction is “in progress.”

Red flags to watch for:

• Requests for urgent financial help, especially early in a relationship.
• Claims that they “can’t access” their money and need a temporary loan.
• Pressure to use specific payment apps or services you’re unfamiliar with.

How to protect yourself:

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Verify any payment requests independently.
• If a request feels off, trust your gut and pause before responding.

Gift Card Demands: The Scam That Won’t Quit

Gift cards remain a favorite tool for scammers. Why? They’re untraceable, nearly impossible to recover, and instantly redeemable.

In romance scams, fraudsters might claim they need gift cards to:

• Buy a phone card to keep in touch
• Pay for medicine or emergency services
• “Prove your love” or commitment in some symbolic way

Once a victim shares the gift card number and PIN, the money is gone.

Protective steps:

• Remember: No legitimate person or business will ask for gift cards as payment.
• Never share gift card information through text, email, or over the phone.
• If asked for a gift card, consider it a scam, every time.

Crypto Investment “Opportunities”: Love Bombing Meets Ponzi Schemes

Crypto-related romance fraud has surged in recent years. Scammers convince victims they can “help them invest” in cryptocurrency or introduce them to an “exclusive opportunity.” These cons often involve fake websites, apps, or platforms that look real but are controlled entirely by the scammer.

Victims may even see fake gains in their “investment accounts,” encouraging them to deposit more until the site vanishes or the scammer disappears.

Warning signs:

• A romantic interest talks frequently about cryptocurrency “opportunities.”
• You're encouraged to download apps or register for unknown investment platforms.
• You're promised high returns with no risk, a classic red flag.

What to do:

• Never invest money in someone else’s recommendation without researching independently.
• Avoid downloading unfamiliar apps or logging into unknown investment sites.
• Contact a Consumers National Bank advisor if you’re unsure whether an investment is legitimate.

Staying Safe And Helping Others Stay Safe Too

Romance scams are designed to be emotional. Victims often feel embarrassed, ashamed, or reluctant to report what happened. But there is no shame in being manipulated by someone pretending to care.

If you or someone you know may be involved in a potential romance scam:

• Stop all communication with the individual immediately.
• Save all messages, payment records, and usernames.
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your Consumers National Bank.

Consumers National Bank Is Here to Help

At Consumers National Bank, we’re committed to helping you recognize and respond to fraud before it affects your finances. Our team is trained to assist with:

• Identifying suspicious payment activity
• Freezing compromised accounts
• Helping you report fraud to the appropriate authorities

Whether you need advice, support, or just someone to talk through a situation with, our banking professionals are here for you.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait! Contact us or stop into your local branch.

Final Thoughts: Real Love Never Asks for Cash

True relationships are built on trust, not transactions. If someone you’ve never met in person is asking for money, gifts, or investment help, it’s a scam, no matter how convincing the story sounds.

Stay smart, stay cautious, and remember: Consumers National Bank is always by your side, protecting what matters most — your financial wellbeing.