Love might be in the air, but so are scams. Here’s how to protect your heart and your wallet.

When you live in a small Iowa town, it’s easy to assume romance scams are something that happen “somewhere else.” But the truth is, no one is immune, not even your sweet neighbor who bakes pies for the church fundraiser or your cousin who’s just getting into online dating.

Romance scams are real, and they’re hitting closer to home than most people think. At American State Bank, we care about protecting your finances and your peace of mind. So this Valentine’s season, we’re giving you the gift of knowledge, and maybe saving you from a broken heart and an empty checking account.

What Is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam happens when someone pretends to be interested in a romantic relationship, usually online, with the goal of tricking you into sending them money. These scammers create fake profiles, build trust over time, and pull at your heartstrings until you feel compelled to help them out financially.

Their stories are often dramatic: stranded overseas, sudden medical emergencies, or business deals that just need a little help. And yes, they’ll promise to pay you back, but they never do.

How to Spot a Romance Scam in 2026

Scammers are getting smarter, but the warning signs are still there if you know what to look for. Keep your eye out for these common red flags:

  • They move fast: If someone says “I love you” before you’ve even had a chance to meet for coffee at the Corner Café, take a step back.
  • They can’t meet in person: Oil rig workers, deployed soldiers, international businesspeople — you name it. If they’re always unavailable for video chats or visits, that’s a red flag.
  • They ask for money: A major red flag: they want you to send money in untraceable ways like gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps (like Zelle® or Cash App), often to someone else entirely. No one who truly cares about you will ask for money this way. 
  • They create a sense of urgency: “My wallet was stolen,” “I can’t afford this surgery,” or “I just need this to come home to you.”
  • They ask you to keep the relationship secret: If someone wants to hide the relationship from your friends or family, that’s a big “nope.”
  • They play the sympathy card: They claim to be recently widowed or raising children alone, looking for someone to build a future with. Once you’re emotionally invested, the financial asks begin: help with childcare, rent, or an emergency. 

If someone you met online says they’re a contractor stuck overseas or an investor needing a quick loan to finish a job in another state, ask yourself why they can’t get help locally. Better yet, ask us.

Why Romance Scams Work

It’s easy to assume “I’d never fall for that,” but scammers are smooth. They build emotional connections over time, often for weeks or months, before making their move.

They use:

  • Empathy: You’re their only hope.
  • Consistency: Daily texts and sweet nothings make them feel real.
  • Isolation: They’ll slowly convince you to stop talking to others about them.

They aren’t just looking for one-time gifts; they’re after long-term manipulation and repeated financial help. And unfortunately, by the time most people catch on, the money is long gone.

How American State Bank Helps Protect You

We’ve seen how these scams play out, and we’re on your side. At ASB, we:

  • Monitor for unusual account activity and will give you a call if something doesn’t look right.
  • Know our customers. We’re your neighbors. If something seems off, we’ll help you spot it.
  • Offer local, real-person help when you call or walk into your nearest branch.
  • Provide helpful fraud education and scam prevention resources all year long.

We’re here to protect you, and your money.

What to Do If You Think It’s a Scam

If you’re even a little bit unsure, it’s okay. You don’t have to go it alone. Here’s what to do:

  1. Stop communication immediately.
  2. Don’t send any more money, no matter what they promise.
  3. Save all messages and screenshots in case you need to report it.
  4. Contact us at American State Bank. We’ll help you sort it out.
  5. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your local authorities.

Love Carefully, Spend Smart

We love love. But we love protecting your hard-earned dollars even more.

So if someone new has suddenly swept you off your feet, and also asked for your routing number, come talk to us first. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any day, you can count on your hometown bank to keep your heart and your finances safe.

Need to talk it through? Give us a call or stop by.