Love is in the air this season, and it’s the perfect time for scammers to take advantage of your heart and wallet.
Scam in action
Imagine this — someone sends you a sweet message online. They say you’re amazing. They want to get to know you. Soon, they’re talking about love. A new romance may sound exciting, but what if that person isn’t who they claim to be?
What is a romance scam?
This scam is a sneaky scheme where someone pretends to be in love to steal money or personal information. The scammer creates a fake online identity to make their victims believe they’re in a real relationship. After gaining their victim’s trust, they ask for money — usually for medical emergencies, travel costs or legal expenses.
Be wary of someone who
- avoids video calls or in-person meetings
- moves too fast, talking about love or marriage quickly and/or
- asks for personal information or money via gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
These are online relationship red flags.
Staying safe
Even if you’re not dating online, it’s important to understand how these scams work. You might hear about them from your friends, family members or even other associates.
Protect yourself by never
- sharing personal information with strangers and
- sending money directly to someone you haven’t met in person.
Remember, real love doesn’t come with a price tag. Stay safe and don’t let scammers steal your heart — or your money.
