The cell service is absolutely horrendous Between the varying degrees of elevation on campus and actual buildings made of concrete and brick, it can be pretty difficult to find a signal. You’re marginally better off using the school wifi. Photo via Shutterstock Credit: Shutterstock

Valentine’s Day can be a challenging time for single folks, but that doesn’t mean they should settle for the first person who slides into their DMs. Especially when that person could be a scammer.

Last year, U.S. residents lost $547 million to online romance scams, according to data from Social Catfish, an online company that verifies online identities. Texas ranked as the state third-hardest hit by so-called “romance scams.” Nearly 1,800 Texans lost an average of $37,000 to such scammers in 2022.

To avoid falling victim, Social Catfish recommends keeping an eye out for three warning signs.

It seems too good to be true

If a good-looking billionaire starts sending DMs, it’s probably a scam. Online crooks often steal photos of attractive and successful-looking people and create fake accounts to lure in potential victims. It’s always a good idea to treat these potential romantic partners with a healthy dose of skepticism, Social Catfish experts said.

They fall in love without ever meeting you

Regardless of how charming a person can be over email, it’s unlikely that someone will fall in love without ever being around you in person. What’s more, if your online catch constantly makes excuses about why they can’t meet for a date or chat over Zoom, there’s a good chance they’re a scammer.

They ask for money

According to Social Catfish, the biggest red flag that your virtual significant other isn’t real is if they ask for financial assistance. The most common excuses scammers use is that they need money to come to visit, that they’re having bank account issues and that they’ve incurred sudden medical expenses.

“Never give money to anyone you meet online,” Social Catfish experts said.

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This article appears in Feb 8-21, 2023.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...