The FBI is warning about romance scams, pointing to “con artists” on most dating and social media sites who are breaking hearts and bank accounts.
The bureau says these are experts in “romance scams” will seem genuine, caring and believable -- but all they want is your money.
Recommended Videos
“The scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust,” reads a warning from the FBI this week. “Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money. Scam artists may say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person – and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee. If someone you meet online needs your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using your account to carry out other theft and fraud schemes.”
Here are tips from the FBI for spotting on avoiding such scams”
- 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.
- Be aware 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 late be used to extort you.
- Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse for 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 suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center -- www.ic3.gov.