As Valentine’s Day nears and more Fort Bend County residents turn to dating apps and social media to connect, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is urging the community to stay vigilant against a growing threat: romance scams.

While February is often associated with flowers, dinners, and heartfelt messages, law enforcement officials say scammers are using this season to prey on emotions — and wallets. For families across Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, and Missouri City, the warning is timely and personal.

This isn’t just a national headline. It’s happening here.

An Important Reminder from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office

In its Valentine’s Day Romance Scam Awareness message, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that scammers often begin by building what appears to be a genuine emotional connection online. These interactions typically start through dating apps, Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms.

Once trust is established, which can take months, the requests begin.

Scammers may ask for:

• Money transfers
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency payments
• Personal or financial information

Residents are reminded to never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone they have not met in person.

The Sheriff’s Office also warns residents to be cautious of individuals who:

• Quickly express strong romantic feelings
• Ask to keep the relationship secret
• Claim sudden emergencies, travel problems, or financial hardship
• Pressure for urgent financial help

Officials encourage residents to trust their instincts. If something feels off, it likely is.

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam in Fort Bend County, report it to local law enforcement immediately.

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The Broader Picture: Romance Scams Are Surging Nationwide

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), romance scams consistently rank among the most financially devastating types of fraud in the United States. The FTC reports that Americans lose hundreds of millions of dollars each year to romance scams, with individual victims often losing thousands — and in some cases, their life savings.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) also notes that romance scams frequently evolve into investment scams, particularly involving cryptocurrency, where victims are persuaded to invest in fake trading platforms after establishing a romantic relationship online.

What makes romance scams especially harmful is that they exploit trust, vulnerability, and emotional connection — not just finances.

For a growing and connected community like Fort Bend County, where many residents balance work, family, and digital life, awareness is critical.

Why This Matters for Fort Bend County Families

Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. With growth comes connectivity — more online interaction, more digital communication, and unfortunately, more opportunities for scammers.

Romance scams don’t target only seniors. Law enforcement agencies report victims across all age groups, including young professionals and middle-aged adults navigating online dating platforms.

Beyond financial loss, these scams can cause emotional distress and embarrassment, which sometimes prevents victims from reporting incidents. The Sheriff’s Office stresses that reporting is essential — not only to pursue justice but to protect others in the community from becoming victims.

How to Protect Yourself This Valentine’s Day

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office offers the following practical steps for residents:

• Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person
• Avoid sharing personal or financial details with online-only contacts
• Be skeptical of rapid declarations of love
• Watch for requests tied to emergencies, travel costs, or sudden hardship
• Trust your instincts and pause before responding to urgent requests

If something feels rushed, secretive, or financially driven, step back and verify before acting.

Residents can also report suspected fraud to:

• The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office
• The Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov

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Protecting More Than Your Wallet

Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate connection, trust, and love. Scammers rely on those very emotions to manipulate victims.

By sharing this message, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that protecting your heart also means protecting your financial security.

In a close-knit and rapidly growing community like Fort Bend County, awareness is one of the strongest defenses. Conversations with family members, especially teens, young adults, and older relatives, can make a meaningful difference.

As the holiday approaches, officials encourage residents to stay cautious online and look out for one another.

For continued updates on public safety, community awareness, and important alerts affecting Fort Bend County neighborhoods, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, 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.