Romance scams have quickly become one of the most widespread and costly crimes out there. We have some tips to help you and those you care for avoid this heartbreaking crime.
What is a Romance Scam
Romance scams are crimes that prey on the lonely. Criminals look for victims on dating sites, Facebook, social media, and elsewhere. Once they find a target, they fake a romantic or friendly interest.
These scam artists often pretend to live overseas or far enough away that it is easy to avoid meeting in person. Once the criminal has established a tight connection or bond, they then ask for money for things like emergencies or travel expenses. Any money that is sent will never be seen again. To make matters worse, brazen criminals will promise to return the money. All they need is the victim’s online banking username and password. When a victim falls for that, the results are often disastrous.
5 Ways to Thwart Romance Scams
- Watch for Signs of a Romance Scam: These include a person who professes love too quickly, claims to be overseas or cannot come visit for some reason, asks for money via a wire transfer or loaded on gift cards, and asks for a person’s online banking credentials.
- Reverse Search Photos: Romance scam criminals will often post photos of themselves to lure in potential victims. However, these photos are often fake. Use Google to reverse search the photo of any potential love interest before trusting them.
- Never Send or Transfer Money or Private Financial Information: Money cannot buy happiness, right? So, if the person on the other end of your online date goes away because you won’t send money, it was never meant to be.
- Don’t Share Compromising Photos of Yourself: Desperate criminals will blackmail victims into sending money to keep those photos private.
- Ask a lot of Questions: Look for holes in their story and always be suspicious of anyone who you cannot meet in person.
Boost Your Financial Wellness
More Financial Wellness Matters blogs on topics ranging from financial self-care to protecting your financial health are coming soon. Twice a month, we’ll dig a bit deeper into the relationship between financial health and overall well-being, shedding light on the behaviors and beliefs that drive money relationships. With simple tips and proven insights, we hope to enhance your financial well-being and help you live a healthier, happier life.