As more people go online to seek romantic relationships, and transferring money has gotten easier and less traceable, an increasing number across the country — particularly older people — have fallen victim to fake romance schemes.

Scrolling social media can be an enjoyable way to connect with the world, but it can also be a gateway to heartbreak and financial ruin.

As AI blurs the line between what's real and what's not, the lonely and the vulnerable are getting increasingly targeted online by scammers. As a result, the loneliness epidemic now threatens to become a security crisis.