Online romance scams are draining savings from older people in Hawaii, and the best defense is a conversation with someone you trust before any money moves.

• Scammers build a relationship first, sometimes over months, so the ask for money feels like helping a loved one.
• Warning signs: strong feelings declared fast, constant excuses for never meeting in person, and pressure to act now.
• The request usually comes as cash, gift cards, or crypto, often tied to a sudden emergency.
• Scammers push victims to keep it secret, so a second opinion from family, a friend, or a banker is the strongest protection.
• If a relative may be caught up in one, lead with concern rather than accusation — criticism makes people shut down and hide it.

Outlook: These scams keep spreading through social media and dating apps, and pausing before sending money remains the one step that stops most of them.