HSI Issues New Warning on Romance Scams
The landscape of American romance fraud has shifted from isolated scammers to sophisticated Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). According to the latest Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) report, older Americans alone lost nearly $240 million to romance scams in 2022. Across all age groups, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that approximately 70,000 people were victimized in a single year.
At Conflict International USA, we are seeing a dramatic rise in these "confidence schemes." Scammers are no longer just looking for a one-time payment; they are executing long-term social engineering operations designed to liquidate 401(k)s, home equity, and cryptocurrency portfolios.
The Anatomy of a Modern US Romance Scam
The HSI warning highlights that these scams are meticulously planned. Many "fraud dens" are operated by criminal syndicates that use well-rehearsed scripts and AI-generated imagery to bypass the victim’s natural skepticism.
High-Risk Red Flags Identified by HSI:
- The Migration Tactic: Scammers quickly push to move the conversation from a dating app (which has security filters) to encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
- The Crypto-Hook: Instead of asking for cash, they ask if you have ever "invested" in cryptocurrency or offer to show you a "guaranteed" trading platform.
- The Avoidance Loop: Continuous excuses for why they cannot make a video call, or video calls where the face is obscured or the connection is "poor."
- Urgency & Combativeness: Creating a false sense of crisis to rush financial decisions and becoming aggressive if their intentions are questioned.
Conflict International USA: Beyond the Report
While federal agencies like HSI and the FBI work to dismantle these transnational organizations, the recovery of stolen assets and the protection of private reputations require immediate, private-sector expertise.
Our US-Based Investigator Services Include:
1. Pre-Relationship Vetting & Due Diligence
Before a connection becomes a financial commitment, our Due Diligence team can verify the identity, history, and physical location of a person you have met online. We use advanced investigative tools to uncover if a profile is a "clone" or linked to known fraud networks.
2. Cryptocurrency and Asset Tracing
If funds have already been transferred via bank wire or cryptocurrency, every hour matters. We provide specialized Asset Tracing to map the flow of capital. This intelligence is critical for the U.S. Attorney's Office or local law enforcement to freeze accounts and pursue restitution.
3. Corporate Executive Protection
Romance scams aren't just a personal risk; they are an entry point for corporate espionage. We work with firms to ensure that high-level executives aren't being targeted in "honey trap" operations designed to extract sensitive business data through romantic manipulation.
A Darker Reality: Romance Scams and Human Trafficking
The HSI report reveals a sobering fact: the perpetrators themselves are often victims. Many romance scams are run from "fraud dens" where victims of human trafficking are forced to work under threat of violence. When you engage with a scammer, you may unknowingly be part of a global trafficking cycle.
Resilience Through Verification
The HSI warning is a reminder that in 2026, trust must be earned through verification. Falling for a romance scam is not a sign of weakness; it is a result of being targeted by a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. If you suspect you or a family member is being targeted, do not wait for the financial impact—seek professional verification immediately.
Are you concerned about a suspicious online connection or have you already experienced a financial loss? Explore our Private Investigation services or contact Conflict International USA today for a confidential Asset Tracing consultation.