The public is increasingly vulnerable to romance scammers who use artificial intelligence to achieve a veneer of authenticity, according to the FBI.

The bureau cautioned that criminals are using fake accounts on social media platforms, dating apps, and other avenues to scam victims, particularly ahead of Valentine’s Day, when thousands are defrauded annually through romance schemes, resulting in losses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In the age of AI, those with ill intent are now wielding the technology to fortify scams, making it easier for criminals to gain trust, establish relationships, and convince victims to hand over money or sensitive financial information, according to the FBI.