The United States Postal service is warning consumers about romance scams that target people seeking companionship ahead of Valentine’s Day. USPS and the Postal Inspection Service says these schemes involve fraudsters targeting people in hopes of causing serious financial and emotional harm.

They won't ask for money immediately. Scammers usually practice at least one virtue: patience. "They don't typically come right out and ask for your money," says Simerly. "Instead, they will spend weeks – or even months – in the pursuit of getting to know their targets while they build trust."

Arvest Bank is warning of a possible romance scam where fraudsters create a fake online identity to gain a victim's trust.