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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 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam to the FTC, and reported losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion. 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 scams is education and awareness. Below are some tips to help avoid becoming a victim: Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere. Go slowly and ask lots of questions. Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you. Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious. Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. If you believe you are a victim of a romance scam, the FBI recommends reporting the activity to the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov. You should also contact your financial institution if you discover fraudulent or suspicious transactions. Finally, you should report the activity to the website or application where the contact first began.

I want to shake things up on my Tik Tok Lives and I need your help. Below is a link to my survey. It is just 3 questions. And it it anonymous. Please share your thoughts and any suggestions you have. I have some ideas but want to hear yours. Thank you!!!! SURVEY LINK

Found this on TikTok. Check it out! RENTAL SCAM

NEW EPISODE

AUDIO RECORDING CASH APP WHERE HE WANTED ME TO SEND HIM MONEY (OF COURSE I DIDN'T)

Check it out!

Here is another interview I did, I am only a small part, but the other guy had lots of great info. COLUMBUS-OHIO

I was interviewed about a month ago.  Below is a link to the interview.  They also have a victim on the story as well.  Check it out: WPVI TV INTERVIEW

I was contacted by a lady who was scammed by this guy?  I would like to know if anyone else had any kind of contact with him.  She and I haven't been able to find his pictures on the internet. She will share her story when I start my podcast soon.

Today I was contacted by an FBI agent from North Carolina.  She found my blog and had questions on how I video chat them.  She had someone file a complaint and didn't understand the technology part. She gave me some great information and hopefully when I start my podcast, she will be a guest. In the meantime, if you or someone you know gets scammed, below is the FBI site where you can report it. www.IC3.GOV

I was sent this a few months ago and kept wanting to post it here.  This is something really nice to do!!!!  And it's not expensive. Buy a deployed Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman their next cup of coffee and include a personal message! It's $2.50 per cup.  You can donate as many as you want or just one.  Check out the website and send a Cup of Joe to a Soldier.  And be sure to thank for them their service. CUP OF JOE FOR A JOE