More people are turning to the internet to find love, but instead of finding their soulmate, they're finding con artists. These scammers create fake online identities to gain trust and eventually the affection of an individual, to then swindle them for money.
Who are the targets?
These con artists generally target those who may be lonely and seeking companionship, disproportionately affecting the elderly. But the scammers are experts. They’ll appear genuine and truly caring, making anyone at risk of falling for a romance scam.
The Many Red Flags
There are some common warning signs to watch for when meeting people online. Here are four red flags that can help you stay safe on your search for love.
- Love bombing: Scammers quickly profess strong feelings and intense affection, often showering you with compliments and attention. This is designed to move the relationship forward rapidly, overwhelming your judgment.
- Avoiding in-person meet-ups: They always have an excuse for why they can’t meet you in person, such as being out of the country, working long hours, or having a sudden emergency.
- Working abroad: A common story is that they are stationed abroad for work, on a business trip, or in the military, which conveniently makes it difficult to verify their identity.
- Asking for support: Eventually, the scammer asks for money, often for a supposed emergency, travel costs, or medical bills. They may pressure you to send funds quickly or keep the request a secret.
Reporting the Heart Breakers
If you’ve shared your personal information or believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at 800-765-0110.
- Report to the FTC: Your report can help authorities take down these fraud networks. Make a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Notify the app: If you met the con artist on a dating app or social media platform, notify the site’s support team to help protect others from being a victim.