Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and some folks in the Valley might be searching for a special someone to spend that day with. The FBI is offering tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam while searching for that special someone.

The FBI says romance scams typically begin when a scammer creates a fake profile on a dating site or social media platform to trick would-be victims into believing they're in a loving, trusting relationship with them.

From there, the fraudsters will make up stories of financial hardships and ask for victims to send them money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or other valuable items.

These scams don't just target those looking for a romantic partner, though. These scams can also take the form of the impersonation of known people to victims like friends or family members.

These schemes often prey on the targeted individual's heartstrings by stating that someone is in trouble, sick or in an urgent situation in an attempt to get money or something valuable.

Scammers usually start with innocent conversations and online contact builds from there. Scammers often use well-rehearsed scripts, which have previously been used successfully.

The FBI says scammers can even learn personalized details about their victims to better understand how to manipulate and exploit them.

Below is a list of tips to avoid falling victim to one of these scams.

- Be careful with sharing your personal information across all social media sites. Scammers often use those details to target you and build commonalities.

- Only use dating sites with a well-known reputation, and research photos and profiles online to see if anyone has used that name or image elsewhere.

- Beware of those who try to isolate you from your family and friends or those who ask you to send inappropriate pictures or financial information that can later be used to extort you.

- Don't send money to someone you've never met in person.