Illinois Residents See Staggering Losses From AI Romance Scams

Valentine's Day can be the best day of the year or the worst, depending on your situation.

As in, are you dating, single, married, or divorced? February 14th can be a tough day if you're half of those and great if you're the other half. I let you decipher which is which.

Valentine's Day in Illinois: Romance or Regret?

While there are some of us who are planning extravagant Valentine's Day dates with dinners, gifts, and other surprises, there are some of us who fall victim to AI-related romance scams.

READ MORE: Beware Of Extremely Dangerous Dating Scam in Illinois

AI Romance Scams Are Ruining Valentine’s Day for Some

If you're reading that thinking, "no kidding, I didn't even know that was a thing," you're just like me. I had no clue either until I read this story on Fox 32 in Chicago.

It features a man in the Windy City who fell victim to an AI scam, thinking he was involved with a woman who was interested, only to find it was a ploy to get his money. The article says the "connection cost him $70,000, destroyed his ability to trust, and left him paying off debt he took on for someone who never existed."

READ MORE: Rockford BBB Warns Of Nasty Valentine’s Day Romance Scams

Chicago Man Loses $70,000 in AI Dating Scam

That $70K is a mere drop in the bucket compared with the $36 million Illinois residents lost to romance scams, which ranked among the highest in America.

Dating in 2026: Is That Person Real or AI?

If you're single and looking for love in 2026, it's just another reason to be careful out there. You're not sure if that person is real or just AI.