Dating safely
Most people you meet are exactly who they say. These habits protect you from the few who aren’t.
Know the signs and report to the Illinois Attorney General
The Illinois Attorney General warns about fake or AI-made photos, pressure to leave the dating app, excuses not to video chat or meet, and urgent requests for money, gift cards or crypto. Save messages, stop contact and file a complaint online or call the Consumer Fraud Hotline in Chicago on 1-800-386-5438.
Source: Illinois Attorney General: Tips to prevent romance scams (Feb 2026)
Report fraud to the FTC
If you think you have been targeted by a romance scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps the FTC and law enforcement spot and stop scams.
Source: FTC: New fraud reporting platform, ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report online scams to the FBI's IC3
The FBI warns that romance scammers build trust online and then ask for money. Never send money to someone you have not met in person, and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.