Valentine’s Day 2026: How AI is fueling the rise of romance scams
In 2026, the search for connection increasingly begins online. People are matching on dating apps, meeting partners through social platforms and sliding into DMs in ways that feel casual, normal, even expected.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, dating app usage spikes and so do romance scams. Cybercriminals know February is peak season for emotional outreach, when millions are looking for connection.
But as technology reshapes how we meet and connect, it’s also reshaping how trust can be manipulated.
The latest Norton Insights Report, Artificial Intimacy, reveals just how deeply artificial intelligence is transforming digital intimacy — and how scammers are adapting just as quickly.
Romance scams are no longer just about fake profiles and poorly written messages. They’re powered by tools that can generate convincing conversations, realistic images and even synthetic audio or video. The deception is more immersive and more personal than ever before.
What are AI romance scams?
AI romance scams are online dating scams that use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake personas and emotionally persuasive conversations.
Instead of sending generic scripts, scammers can now generate personalized messages, mirror someone’s tone and interests and create realistic profile images that don’t belong to real people. In some cases, AI can even be used to simulate voice or video, making interactions feel authentic.
The result: deception that feels tailored, attentive and very real.
How is AI changing online dating and digital trust?
According to the Norton report, 67% of current online daters globally say they would consider dating an AI chatbot, and 37% believe it’s possible to develop romantic feelings for an AI partner.
At the same time, 81% of respondents report experiencing loneliness, with younger generations reporting even higher levels.
This signals something bigger than curiosity. It reflects how normalized AI-mediated emotional connection has become.
AI systems are designed to respond instantly and empathetically. When someone feels heard, understood and supported, trust can form quickly … even if the interaction is partially or fully AI-assisted.
That shift changes how emotional bonds are built online. And scammers are paying attention.
How Do AI Romance Scams Work?
Romance scams follow a predictable pattern:
- Establish emotional intimacy through frequent messaging
- Build exclusivity and trust
- Introduce urgency (often financial)
- Request money, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
The Norton report finds that 34% of online daters say they have been targeted by a scam, and 36% say they’ve been pressured to send money to someone they met online.
Globally, romance scams already account for billions in losses each year. As AI improves realism and scalability, the risk compounds.
What makes 2026 different is the sophistication. AI allows scammers to:
- Generate highly personalized messages at scale
- Mirror tone, interests and emotional language
- Create realistic profile images
- Maintain constant, attentive communication
- Use emotional (and artificial) intelligence to commit fraud
What are the signs of an AI romance scam?
Even with advanced tools, warning signs still exist. Red flags may include:
- Rapid emotional escalation (“I’ve never felt this way before”)
- Requests to move conversations off dating platforms quickly
- Refusal to meet in person or join a live video call
- Financial requests tied to emergencies or investments
- Pressure to send cryptocurrency, gift cards or wire transfers
If emotional intensity rises faster than real-world verification, it’s time to pause.
Why do romance scams increase around Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day amplifies emotional vulnerability. More people are actively dating, messaging and seeking companionship. That surge in activity creates opportunity.
Scammers exploit heightened emotion and urgency. A romantic gesture, a crisis before a planned visit, a promise of future plans — these tactics become more effective when expectations are already emotionally charged.
“We all want to be seen and understood, and there’s no shame in believing in a new connection that feels special,” says Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. “That’s why romance scams are so heart-wrenching; they use our own kindness and hope against us. Even if you consider yourself tech-savvy, that emotional spark can easily blur a red flag. If a new light in your life suddenly asks for money or your private details, please, hit the pause button. It’s not about being cynical; it’s about protecting your heart and your future from someone who doesn't deserve your trust
When loneliness intersects with seasonal pressure and AI-powered persuasion, risk increases.
How can you protect yourself from romance scams?
Awareness remains one of the strongest defenses.
Practical safeguards include:
- Slowing down when emotional intensity escalates quickly
- Verifying identities through live, unscripted video conversations
- Being cautious of financial requests involving wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Keeping personal and financial information private
- Using identity protection and fraud monitoring tools, like LifeLock
Healthy skepticism does not mean rejecting connection. It means layering trust with verification.
Can you fall in love with AI?
The data suggests many people believe it’s possible.
In a world where artificial intimacy can feel indistinguishable from the real thing, protecting both your heart and your finances demands a new kind of digital awareness; one grounded in curiosity, caution and informed trust.
