Romance Scams
Romance scams are prevalent, especially during February. I just got an email from Shelley Lynch, the Public Affairs Specialist with the FBI Charlotte Division for us to use caution when clicking on romance scams! Scammers are presently going after couples for deals that may seem too good to be true and also people looking for romantic partners on dating websites, apps, or social media by obtaining access to their financial or personal identifying information. The following tips may be helpful to consider if you develop a romantic relationship with someone you meet online:
· Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the material has been used elsewhere.
· Go slow and ask questions.
· Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to go “offline.”
· Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests.
· 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 don’t know personally. If you believe you are a victim of a romance scam, file a complaint online at www.ic3.gov.
Check out these scams.
