They won't ask for money immediately. Scammers usually practice at least one virtue: patience. "They don't typically come right out and ask for your money," says Simerly. "Instead, they will spend weeks – or even months – in the pursuit of getting to know their targets while they build trust."

Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta Platforms is urging users to stay vigilant about “romance scams” ahead of Valentine’s Day, warning of unsolicited messages through its apps and other social media platforms,