SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As with any holiday season, fraudsters and scam artists are looking to exploit vulnerable people. The United States Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are offering up tips on how to protect yourself this Valentine's Day. 

This time of year, many people may be targeted with romance scams, a deceptive form of fraud that preys on individuals seeking romantic companionship.

Authorities say these scams usually start online but frequently escalate to the scammer asking for money or valuables to be sent through the mail, leading to "devasting financial and emotional losses for victims."

“Protecting the sanctity and integrity of the mail is our top priority,” said USPIS Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “This includes protecting customers from mail-related crimes, including fraudulent schemes like romance scams. Public awareness is critical in stopping these criminals before they cause harm.”

How romance scams work:

• Scammers create fake identities, often using stolen photos and fictitious personal details.
• They cultivate online relationships over weeks or months, building trust through social media, dating apps, or email, and pledge their love early on.
• Once trust is established, they fabricate urgent financial needs – such as medical emergencies, travel expenses, or business problems – to solicit money.
• Victims are pressured into sending cash, checks, wire transfers, or gift cards, making recovery difficult once the fraud is detected.

How to protect yourself:

• Be cautious of online relationships that escalate quickly, especially if the individual avoids in-person meetings or video calls.
• Look for inconsistencies in the person’s profile and the information they share. Keep your personal information private.
• Never send money, checks, gift cards, or personal finance information to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Be suspicious of requests for secrecy or urgent financial help.
• If you think it’s a scam, cut off communication immediately and report it.

For more information on romance scams, visit the USPS website.