As Valentine”s Day approaches, U.S. prosecutors in Ohio are sounding alarms about the increasing prevalence of romance scams that exploit cryptocurrency. Victims have reportedly lost millions as scammers manipulate emotions and trust through online relationships.
The U.S. Attorney”s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has highlighted alarming trends in these emotionally charged frauds. Scammers typically initiate contact via dating apps, social media, or text messages, gradually establishing trust over weeks or months before fabricating emergencies or investment opportunities that require financial assistance.
U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer emphasized, “Scammers prey on trust and emotion,” clarifying that these criminals are primarily motivated by financial gain rather than genuine affection. This type of fraud often targets older adults and individuals who may be emotionally vulnerable.
Recent legal actions underscore the seriousness of the issue. In a notable case from December 2025, authorities charged Frederick Kumi, a Ghanaian national, for his involvement in a romance fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded elderly victims of over $8 million since 2023. Investigators revealed that the group employed artificial intelligence tools to create convincing fake identities and maintain realistic conversations before soliciting funds. Kumi was arrested in Ghana and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Another disturbing case involved an Ohio woman who fell victim to a scam after receiving a text from a supposed “wrong number.” The fraudster guided her through the process of setting up accounts on Crypto.com and Coinbase, ultimately convincing her to transfer approximately $663,000 to a fictitious investment platform. Fortunately, federal detectives traced portions of the stolen funds to cryptocurrency wallets, leading to the seizure of more than $8.2 million in USDT, aided by Tether.
Industry data reflects a troubling rise in crypto-related fraud. A January 2026 report from blockchain security firm PeckShield estimated that scams and hacks in the cryptocurrency space resulted in losses exceeding $4 billion in 2025, with around $1.37 billion attributed specifically to scams. The report indicated a 64% increase in scam losses from the previous year, with many cases involving personalized impersonation tactics targeting high-value victims.
To help individuals protect themselves from these deceptive schemes, Ohio prosecutors have offered several recommendations. They suggest conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, maintaining skepticism toward anyone who is unwilling to meet in person, and adhering to a strict policy against sending cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers to acquaintances met online. Victims are also advised to keep records of all communications and financial transactions and to report incidents to the FBI”s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Additionally, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is available to assist older adults through the reporting process.
For those who may have already sent cryptocurrency to scammers, prompt action is crucial, as law enforcement can freeze stolen assets if the wallets are identified quickly, preventing the funds from being routed through mixers or overseas exchanges.
