Scams are rising as fraudsters use fake identities online to gain trust and exploit victims financially.

Scammers are often very clever and frequently create fake profiles on dating and social media platforms. They craft elaborate stories to gain your trust and are skilled in social engineering and manipulation. These false narratives aim to exploit your emotions, tricking victims into donating money or covering imaginary expenses.

These scams may involve urgent financial needs related to medical issues, personal tragedies, or other emergencies that require you to act quickly. Be wary, as scammers typically prefer specific methods for receiving money, such as crowdsourced funding, wire transfers, gift cards, CashApp, PayPal, or even cryptocurrencies—methods that are often difficult to recover once used.

"Romance scams" on dating sites are becoming increasingly common. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that people lost about $1.14 billion to online dating scams. Scammers often create fake identities and reach out with heartfelt stories and emotional connections. They frequently claim to be away for work or in the military, which conveniently sets the stage for their requests for money. 

Staying informed and cautious will empower us to navigate the online world confidently and find genuine connections!

Signs of a Scam:

• Request to move conversation to private platforms without verifying the identity of the person.
• Expressions of strong emotions or a desire to meet face-to-face despite never having met before.
• Demands for money to cover various fees and expenses.
• Increased financial demands and reasons for delays in meetings.
• The person disappearing and blocking contact once demands for money were refused.
  

How to Protect Yourself

• Be Skeptical: Ask yourself questions! Take time to research information by checking their social media profiles or searching for their name. Do a reverse image search of their profile pictures or any photos they have sent you. If you find those images are connected to a different name or the details seem inconsistent, it is likely a scam. You can also search specific phrases they've used in messages to see if they appear in reports from similar scams.
  
• Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Keep your personal information, identity documents, and financial data private.
• Don’t Send Money or Gifts: If you haven’t met someone in person, it’s a red flag if they ask for money, gift cards, or financial help.
• Share with Family and Friends: Always let someone know if you plan to meet someone from a dating site or social media. And remember, initial meetings should be held in public places! 

If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Stop Contact: Cut off communication immediately.
2. Report It: Contact your financial institution or credit card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions. Change passwords on all your devices and online accounts.
3. File a Report: You should inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), IC3.gov, and local law enforcement about what’s happening.
   

Remember, scams thrive on trust, emotions, and actions! By remaining vigilant and aware, you can build genuine connections while protecting yourself from fraud. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s perfectly okay to walk away. When in doubt, reach out! We're here to help!