Romance scams typically begin on dating apps or social media, but quickly move to phone calls and texts. Scammers build fake relationships over weeks or months before requesting money — for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or 'investment opportunities' that don't exist. 2,862 romance scam phone numbers reports have been filed by San Francisco residents. In California, residents filed 506,727 fraud reports last year totalling $1.68 billion in losses (FTC Consumer Sentinel).
How this scam works in San Francisco
Scammer creates a fake profile on dating apps, Facebook, or Instagram
They build an emotional connection over weeks or months
They move communication to phone, text, or WhatsApp
They create a crisis requiring money — surgery, stuck overseas, investment opportunity
Once money is sent, they create new crises or disappear
Red flags San Francisco residents have reported
Person is always overseas — military, oil rig, doctor, or engineer
Relationship moves very fast — intense affection early on
They never meet in person or via video call (or always cancel)
Any request for money, gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
Investment opportunity that promises guaranteed returns
What to do if you get this call in San Francisco
Stop sending money immediately
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
If you sent money recently, contact your bank immediately