The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released information regarding romance scams that may occur during the Valentine’s Day season and throughout the year.
The Bureau stated that in romance scams, a criminal utilizes a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust, and the scammer uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate or steal from the victim.
In romance scams, the scammer tries to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endearing themselves to the victim to gain trust. Romance scammers may propose marriage and formulate plans to meet in person, but they may never meet the victim. The Bureau stated that the scammers will likely ask for money as well.
The Bureau stated that the scammers are experts in romantic manipulation and are present on most dating and social media sites.
According to the Bureau, the scammers often tell the victim that they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the United States, which makes it easier to avoid meeting in person as well as establishing a plausible scenario to ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.
The Bureau stated that if someone met online needs bank account information to deposit money, they are likely using the account for theft or fraud schemes.
The Bureau released tips to avoid the romance scams and other scams:
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Be careful what you post and make public online.
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Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
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Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name or details have been used elsewhere.
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Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
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Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
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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.
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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.
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Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
Victims of a romance scam may report the scam to ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, also known as IC3. Those who are victimized by a romance scam should stop all contact with the scammer immediately.
