The DOJ filed a civil forfeiture action targeting approximately $456,000 in USDT linked to alleged romance scams.
Victims were reportedly approached through dating websites and Facebook before being directed toward fake cryptocurrency investments.
The legal action aims to recover suspected fraud proceeds, but recovery for victims is not yet guaranteed.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a civil forfeiture action seeking to recover approximately $456,000 in Tether’s USDT stablecoin.
The funds are allegedly connected to cryptocurrency investment scams that targeted people through dating platforms and Facebook.
The DOJ crypto romance scams case highlights how criminals can use personal relationships to persuade victims to transfer money into fraudulent investment schemes.
According to the reported allegations, scammers established contact with individuals online before introducing fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
These schemes often rely on gaining a victim’s trust before requesting financial transfers.
The money may then be directed toward wallets or platforms controlled by the scammers.
The DOJ’s action seeks to recover assets believed to be connected to this activity.
However, filing a civil forfeiture complaint does not establish that every allegation has been proven in court.
How DOJ Crypto Romance Scams Target Victims
The DOJ crypto romance scams allegations involve a fraud method that combines emotional manipulation with misleading investment promises.
Scammers may initially approach victims through dating websites, social media or messaging platforms.
After developing a relationship, they introduce what appears to be a profitable cryptocurrency investment.
Victims may be directed to websites that imitate legitimate trading platforms.
Some fraudulent platforms display fabricated account balances or investment gains to encourage additional deposits.
When victims attempt to withdraw their funds, they may encounter unexpected fees, delays or demands for further payments.
These are common warning signs of investment fraud.
In this case, the DOJ is seeking approximately $456,000 in USDT allegedly connected to such activity.
USDT is a dollar-pegged stablecoin widely used for cryptocurrency transactions.
Although stablecoins can facilitate legitimate payments, scammers can also misuse them to move fraud proceeds.
The presence of USDT does not make a transaction fraudulent by itself.
TODAY: The DOJ filed a civil forfeiture action to recover about $456K in USDT tied to romance scams that lured victims on dating sites and Facebook into fake crypto investments. pic.twitter.com/P8Y2JURic4
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 10, 2026
Can the DOJ Recover Funds for Victims?
The DOJ crypto romance scams case represents an attempt to use legal procedures to recover suspected criminal proceeds.
Civil forfeiture allows the government to seek ownership of assets allegedly connected to unlawful activity.
If the court approves forfeiture, recovered funds may potentially become available through applicable victim compensation or remission procedures.
However, repayment is not automatic.
The legal process can take time, and the final outcome depends on the evidence and court proceedings.
The case also highlights the importance of recognizing suspicious investment offers.
People should be cautious when someone they meet online quickly introduces cryptocurrency trading opportunities or promises unusually high returns.
Verifying investment platforms independently and avoiding transfers to unfamiliar wallets can help reduce exposure to fraud.
For now, the DOJ’s effort to recover approximately $456,000 in USDT underscores the continuing risks of romance-based cryptocurrency investment scams.