The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned Americans against online romance relationships. 

In a #ValentinesDay message on social media, the FBI said, “If you meet someone online and the relationship develops fast, they might be a scammer! Slow down and ask questions.”

“This #ValentinesDay, review the FBI’s red flags of romance scams,” the bureau said, sharing a link to its website on romance scams.

Enlightening Americans on how to detect online romance scammers on its website, the FBI said, “The FBI websites stated that in romance scams, a criminal uses a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.”

Further security tips the FBI shared on its website read: “Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. Be careful what you post and make public online. 

“Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.”

“Go slowly and ask lots of questions. Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you. 

“Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.”

In recent times, scores of Nigerians have been arrested and jailed for multimillion-dollar romance scams, swindling American victims of their cash.