Friday, February 14, 2025
Romance scammers tell all sorts of lies to steal people's hearts and money. Reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) show those lies are working. Nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam, with losses hitting a staggering $1.3 billion in 2022.
During the month of February, DFI along with other departments and agencies across the country, are spreading awareness about romance scams. Romance scammers target people looking for love on platforms like dating apps and social media.
How scammers are using romance scams:
- Dating apps, social media, and messaging apps.
- Gain your trust and make excuses to not meet in person.
- Ask for money for an “emergency” or investment opportunity.
- Pressure you to send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Once they get your money, it is hard to get it back.
How to protect yourself:
- If you use an app, keep conversations in that app, don’t move conversations off the official app.
- Never send money, gift cards, or crypto to someone you have never met in person.
- Don’t share too much personal or any financial information on dating apps or social media.
- Beware of people who try to move a relationship too fast and make excuses to meet you in person.
What you should do if you’re a victim:
- Stop all communication with the scammer.
- Check your financial accounts to see if there are unauthorized transactions.
- Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit union.
- Report the scam to proper authorities.
For more information and additional resources, visit our website for Dating Or Defrauding.