More couples today meet online than any other way, including being introduced in college or through friends. While meeting online is certainly an accepted way to connect, people looking for romantic partners are wise to watch for warning signs that the person they’re communicating with might be a romance scammer out for money.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, online romance scams claimed about 70,000 victims in 2022. In addition to breaking hearts, these scams also have dire financial implications. Older adults, particularly vulnerable to romance scams, lost nearly $240 million to romance scams in 2022.
So how do you know if someone who claims to care for you is more interested in stealing your money? You can learn more about the common warning signs on our website under the Learning Center’s Fraud Prevention Resource Center section: Romance & Dating Scams. The article provides tips on things to look out for, including:
- Declarations of love that come too quickly
- Excuses about why the person can’t visit
- Online profiles with few photos
- Requests for financial help that may start small and grow
In addition, AARP and the Federal Trade Commission provide more information and resources about protecting yourself and your customers from scams.
All of these resources will prepare you to protect yourself or to help a loved one from making a costly, painful mistake.