This isn’t my story, but it happened to a close friend of mine, and the experience was heartbreaking to witness. My friend had recently joined a dating app and started chatting with someone who seemed perfect—a kind, intelligent individual who shared their interest in cryptocurrency. The relationship progressed quickly, and soon they were talking every day.

The person introduced my friend to a crypto “investment opportunity” that they claimed had helped them make a fortune. They showed screenshots of their earnings and walked my friend through how to set up an account on the platform. Eager to impress their new partner, my friend invested $10,000.

At first, the account showed steady growth, with daily updates on the profits. But when my friend tried to withdraw the funds, they were told they needed to pay a “release fee.” This was when things started to fall apart. My friend realized they had been scammed, and the person they had been speaking to vanished from the dating app and social media.

Romance scams are incredibly manipulative because they prey on both emotional and financial vulnerabilities. If you’re ever introduced to an investment opportunity through a romantic connection, take a step back and research thoroughly. Scammers know how to make you feel special, but their real aim is to take your money.