JACKSON, Miss. – Secretary of State Michael Watson urges Mississippians to be aware of the increasing risks of romance scams and "relationship investment scams," a form of fraud utilizing emotional manipulation and fake investment opportunities.

"Our office has continued to see an uptick in securities-related scams, and we encourage Mississippians to exercise caution with their hard-earned dollars. With the ever-changing landscape of technology, including artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, we must remain vigilant," said Secretary Michael Watson.

Relationship investment scams are a fast-growing type of romance fraud, reporting financial losses in the billions. In the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)'s annual survey of top investor threats, romance and affinity scams consistently rank among the most serious risks facing consumers.

Relationship scams often begin on dating apps, social media platforms, messaging apps, or through unexpected "wrong number" text messages. Scammers use fake profiles, photos, videos, and AI-generated voices to appear attractive and credible.

Upon establishing contact with their targets, scammers send frequent messages to build trust and emotional attachment before asking for money. They will encourage their victims to participate in their investments, only to direct them to fraudulent platforms operated by criminal groups. Small requests quickly escalate into devastating financial losses for unsuspecting consumers.

Mississippians are encouraged to be mindful of these scams, as they continue to evolve with the increasing uses of technology. If an individual claims to be a financial broker or advisor, Mississippians should always verify his or her status by contacting the Secretary of State's Office or using the online search tool.

For questions or more information, please contact the Securities Division at (601) 359-1334 or email Securities.CustomerService@sos.ms.gov.