Constable Mark Herman Urges Residents to Watch for Romance Scams Online
With Valentine’s Day just days away, many Harris County residents are celebrating relationships, reconnecting with loved ones, or even exploring new connections online. But according to Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman, this season of romance is also prime time for scammers.
“As we approach Valentine’s Day, Constable Mark Herman wants to remind residents to stay alert and informed about romance scams so they can avoid becoming victims.”
Romance scams — sometimes called online dating scams or love scams — are sophisticated schemes designed to build trust and emotional connection before exploiting victims financially. These scams commonly begin on dating apps, social media platforms, or even through unexpected “wrong number” text messages. What starts as a friendly exchange can quickly evolve into weeks or months of daily communication designed to lower defenses.
Criminals often fabricate elaborate backstories, claim to work overseas, or present urgent financial emergencies. By the time money is requested, the emotional bond can feel very real.
What Is a Romance Scam and How Does It Work?
“Romance scams are online schemes that prey on trust and emotional connection.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that romance scams consistently rank among the most costly types of consumer fraud in the United States. In recent years, Americans have lost hundreds of millions of dollars annually to romance-related fraud, with many victims reporting losses that far exceed those from other scam categories. The FTC notes that scammers frequently request payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards — methods that are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), romance scams often follow predictable patterns:
- Rapid declarations of love or commitment
- Requests to move conversations off dating platforms
- Claims of emergencies requiring urgent financial help
- Pressure to keep the relationship or financial transactions secret
Constable Herman’s message to Harris County residents is straightforward and practical: “If something feels rushed, secretive, or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.”
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Why This Matters in Harris County Precinct 4
Romance scams don’t just affect individuals — they impact families, retirement savings, and household financial security. In communities across Northwest Harris County, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, and surrounding areas, residents of all ages use online platforms to connect socially and professionally.
While seniors are often highlighted as targets, federal data shows adults of all age groups report romance scam losses. Younger adults are increasingly targeted through social media platforms and messaging apps.
For many victims, the emotional damage can be just as significant as the financial loss. Feelings of embarrassment or shame sometimes prevent individuals from reporting scams, which allows criminals to continue targeting others.
That’s why local law enforcement is speaking up now — before Valentine’s Day activity peaks.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Dating and Social Media Scams
Residents in Harris County and across Texas can take simple steps to reduce risk:
- Be cautious if someone professes strong feelings very quickly
- Never send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to someone you have not met in person
- Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information
- Conduct reverse image searches of profile photos if something seems suspicious
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending funds
The FTC also recommends searching online for key phrases from suspicious messages — many victims discover identical scripts used in multiple scam reports.
Protecting yourself isn’t about being cynical — it’s about being informed.
“Protect your heart and your wallet.”
What to Do If You Suspect a Romance Scam in Harris County
If you believe you may be the target of a romance scam, act quickly.
“If you believe you may be the target of a romance scam, stop communication immediately and report it to law enforcement.”
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Residents can contact the Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Office or file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Reporting scams helps authorities track patterns and potentially prevent others from being victimized.
Importantly, experts emphasize that victims should not feel ashamed. These scams are carefully orchestrated psychological operations designed to manipulate trust.
A Timely Reminder for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate love, connection, and community. Constable Mark Herman’s reminder serves as a practical step to ensure that residents across Harris County, Cypress, Tomball, and surrounding neighborhoods can celebrate safely.
Staying informed about romance scams, online dating fraud, and social media impersonation schemes helps protect not just individuals, but entire households.
As more connections happen online, awareness becomes one of the strongest tools residents have.
For continued updates on public safety issues impacting Northwest Harris County and surrounding communities, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.