Visa described an organized romance scam involving networks of dating websites, automated profiles and recurring subscription charges. In a February 12, 2026 article, chief risk and client services officer Paul Fabara said investigators had traced activity designed to turn simulated relationships into payments.

According to Visa, conversations were interrupted by countdowns and trial offers that converted into costly subscriptions. Victims subsequently encountered unfamiliar charges and cancellation channels that failed to stop billing. The company said its team worked with acquiring partners to disrupt the operation.

The article also identified broader warning signs, including rapid declarations of affection, avoidance of video meetings and requests to leave a dating platform. Pressure to send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards was another indicator highlighted by Visa.

Visa published a Scam Disruption white paper alongside the account. It said the program had uncovered more than 25,000 scam merchants and identified over $1.6 billion in attempted fraud since it began. Those figures were reported by the company.