CHARLOTTE, N.C – Social Catfish, a leading authority in romance scam prevention and reverse search technology, today released a list of the 100 Most “Catfished” Photos of 2025. The photos are being released ahead of Valentine’s Day, which is peak romance scam season, as criminals prey on lonely singles looking online for love.   The list – compiled after analyzing 1.5 million reverse image searches conducted by Social Catfish users over the past year – highlights the images scammers are most commonly using to set up profiles on dating apps and social media. “If you recognize any of the photos in this list being used online, it is a strong indication that you may be interacting with a scammer,” said Social Catfish Founder David McClellan. “It is crucial to cease communication immediately and not send them any money.” The Alarming Rise of Romance Scams Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, up from $547 million in 2021. North Carolina ranked No. 10 in the nation with 453 victims losing $16.8 million in 2023. Scammers are increasingly using AI to create “deepfake” videos of public figures. Earlier this month, a scammer used AI pretending to be Brad Pitt, and stole more than $800,000.   5 Tips to Avoid Romance Scams Perform a reverse image search to verify someone’s identity. Never send money to online acquaintances. Insist on video chats to confirm identity. Be cautious of claims involving military service or living abroad. Be wary of individuals who express love or commitment too quickly.