FBI Urges You to Avoid Online ‘Romance Scams’

Source: Pete Van Vleet / Getty

STATEWIDE — With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, you may know some singletons who are hoping to find love. But, the FBI is urging Hoosiers to avoid falling for “romance scams.”

The FBI Indianapolis posted a message to Twitter Tuesday, explaining that some scammers “gain your trust and affection to manipulate and steal from you.” In some cases, victims lose “tens of thousands of dollars.”

So, how do they accomplish this?

Essentially, cons involved in “romance scams” establish fake profiles online, which they use to contact real people looking for close relationships. They then work to establish connections and gain trust.

Once they have accomplished this, the criminals begin asking for money.

Initial financial requests may be made for things like medical emergencies, but as the scammers become closer to their victims, they may request money to “visit” their victims, or even plan a wedding.

The FBI says these cons know how to establish seemingly legitimate relationships, so it can be difficult to detect scams. But, if someone asks you for your bank account info, you should be suspicious.

You can report scams online here. Continue reading for tips on how to avoid falling for these scams.

Ways to Avoid Romance Scams:

1. Be careful what you post and make public online.

2. Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.

3. Go slowly and ask lots of questions.

4. Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.

5. Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information.

6. Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t.

7. Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.