Don’t Let Romance Scammers Break Your Heart this Valentine's Day
Romance scams occur when criminal actors deceive victims into believing they are engaging in a trusting relationship. They use that relationship to persuade victims to send money, provide personal and financial information, or purchase items for them. In 2021, the FTC reported that victims lost more than $547 million to romance scams. These schemes affect victims from all demographics. The FBI offers these warning signs of the actors and their schemes: Immediate attempts to communicate by email or messaging services outside of a dating site Claims to be from the U.S. but is currently living or traveling abroad Claims that being introduced was “destiny” or “fate” Reports a sudden personal crisis and pressures you to provide financial help Disappears suddenly from a site, but reappears under a different name Asks for money, goods, or other types of financial assistance without having met in person The best defense against romance s