FTC reports $1.3B lost to romance scams — 1 in 7 adults targeted
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2025, with the FTC reporting 1 in 7 adults have been targeted. AI-generated profiles and deepfake video calls are making scams harder to detect. This calculator assesses your vulnerability based on dating behaviors, platform usage, and common risk factors.
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Romance scams have evolved from obvious fake profiles to sophisticated AI-generated personas with deepfake video calls. The average victim loses $64,000 — often life savings or retirement funds. Certain behaviors increase vulnerability: quick emotional attachment to online-only contacts, sending money to someone you haven't met in person, and sharing financial information early in a relationship.
How: The calculator evaluates your risk across multiple factors: dating platform usage, communication patterns (how quickly conversations move off-platform), financial behaviors (have you been asked for money or gifts), emotional attachment indicators, and demographic risk factors. It produces a risk score with specific red flags identified.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
🛡️ Scam Shield Scanner
📊 Risk by Category
🍩 Vulnerability Composition
📈 5-Year Risk Projection
📡 Safety Profile
Romance Scam Risk Assessment
Your vulnerability score is 50 (national avg ~35). Red flags: 1. Estimated annual risk exposure: $1,250.
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
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Romance scams cost victims over $1.3B annually. 1 in 7 adults has been targeted. Losses grow 25%+ year-over-year. High-end victims lose $80K on average. This calculator assesses your vulnerability based on FTC and FBI IC3 data.
Sources: FTC, FBI IC3, McAfee, Mashable
Key Takeaways
- • Video call before sharing personal or financial details—scammers avoid live video
- • Stay on the platform until you meet in person; moving to email/WhatsApp increases risk
- • Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you haven't met
- • Seniors 55+ and higher-income users are disproportionately targeted
Did You Know?
How Romance Scam Risk Assessment Works
Platform Risk
More dating platforms increase exposure. Each app has different verification levels. Staying on one vetted platform reduces risk.
Behavior Risk
Moving off-platform, sharing financial info, and skipping video calls are major red flags. Scammers avoid platforms that log conversations.
Demographic Risk
Age and income affect targeting. Scammers focus on those with assets. FTC data shows seniors lose more per incident.
Expert Tips
Video First
Always video call before sharing personal details. Scammers often refuse or use pre-recorded footage.
Stay On Platform
Keep conversations on the app until you meet. Off-platform chats are harder to report and trace.
Never Send Money
Legitimate partners don't ask for money, gift cards, or crypto. Any request is a red flag.
Verify Identity
Use reverse image search. Scammers steal photos from real people. Check if the profile appears elsewhere.
Platform vs Risk Level
| Platform Use | Risk Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 platform | Low | Continue safe practices |
| 2-3 platforms | Moderate | Video verify, stay on app |
| 4+ platforms | High | Consolidate, increase caution |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes romance scams so financially devastating?
Romance scams cost victims $1.3B+ annually (FTC 2024). Scammers build trust over weeks or months, then request money for emergencies, travel, or investments. Victims often send multiple payments before realizing the fraud. The average high-end loss exceeds $80,000.
Which dating platforms have the highest scam rates?
Platforms with less verification and more anonymity tend to have higher scam rates. FTC data shows romance scams reported across all major apps. Moving conversations off-platform (to email, WhatsApp, or texting) increases risk significantly.
How is the vulnerability score calculated?
The score combines platform usage (more apps = higher risk), behavior (moving off-platform, sharing financial info, no video calls), money requests received, and demographics (age 55+ and higher income increase exposure). Each factor is weighted based on FTC and FBI IC3 patterns.
What are the biggest red flags in online dating scams?
Key red flags: refusing video calls, moving off-platform quickly, professing love before meeting, requesting money for emergencies or investments, and asking for gift cards or crypto. Scammers often claim to be overseas or in the military.
How does age affect romance scam risk?
Adults 55+ report romance scam losses at higher rates. They may be less familiar with app safety features and more trusting. FTC data shows seniors lose more per incident on average. Age 18-29 has lower per-victim losses but still significant exposure.
What protective measures reduce scam exposure the most?
Video call before sharing personal or financial details. Stay on the platform until you meet in person. Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you haven't met. Verify identity via reverse image search. Report suspicious profiles.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on FTC, FBI IC3, and industry research. Not legal or financial advice. Always use caution when dating online. Report suspected scams to the FTC and FBI IC3.
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