As Valentine”s Day approaches, prosecutors in Ohio have issued a critical warning regarding the surge of romance scams that exploit cryptocurrency. This advisory highlights the alarming trend of emotionally charged fraud cases, where victims are manipulated into transferring digital assets after establishing online relationships.
The U.S. Attorney”s Office for the Northern District of Ohio revealed that scammers frequently connect with their targets through dating applications, social media platforms, or text messages. They often spend weeks or even months building trust before concocting emergencies or investment opportunities that require victims to send money. U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer pointed out that these criminals “prey on trust and emotion” and emphasized that they are “not looking for love—they are looking for money.” The office noted that older adults and emotionally vulnerable individuals are often their prime targets.
Recent prosecutions underscore the seriousness of this issue. One case involved Frederick Kumi, a Ghanaian national, who was accused of running a romance fraud network that allegedly defrauded elderly victims of over $8 million since 2023. Investigators reported that Kumi”s group employed artificial intelligence tools to fabricate identities and maintain believable conversations before soliciting funds. Kumi was apprehended in Ghana and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Another notable incident involved an Ohio woman who lost around $663,000 after a scammer contacted her via a “wrong number” text. The fraudster guided her through the process of setting up accounts on Crypto.com and Coinbase, ultimately convincing her to send funds to a fraudulent investment platform. Fortunately, the FBI managed to trace part of the stolen money to cryptocurrency wallets, seizing over $8.2 million in USDT with assistance from Tether.
Data from industry research indicates that these scams are part of a broader trend. A January 2026 report from blockchain security firm PeckShield estimated that crypto-related scams and hacks resulted in losses exceeding $4 billion in 2025, with approximately $1.37 billion attributed solely to scams. The report noted a 64% increase in scam losses from the previous year, often involving personalized impersonation tactics aimed at high-value individuals.
In light of these developments, Ohio prosecutors have provided several protective measures individuals can take against romance scammers. They recommend conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, being skeptical of anyone who refuses to meet in person, and adhering to a strict policy against sending cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers to online acquaintances. Victims are encouraged to keep all communication and financial records and report incidents to the FBI”s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Additionally, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is available daily to assist older adults in navigating the reporting process.
Authorities stress that timing is crucial for those who may have transmitted cryptocurrency, as law enforcement can freeze stolen assets if wallets are identified before the funds are transferred through mixers or overseas exchanges.
