December 2021 Scam: Romance Scams on the Rise
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently warned Middle Tennessee that romance scams are on the rise. A romance scam happens when a con artist uses a fake online identity to establish a relationship quickly, to captivate and gain the trust of the potential victim.
The criminals seem honest, legitimate, sympathetic, and friendly, but, ultimately, they are manipulative and use a person’s loneliness and sadness against them. The scammers will also affect similar characteristics to help sell the lie. For example, if you are faithful in your religion, they will be want to pray with you. Some con artists will make plans for the future, like meeting face-to-face or proposing marriage but none of the promises will come to fruition. Eventually, they will ask for money which may seem innocent but it’s all a strategic ploy to get your money or identity. The FBI also warns that if someone online asks for your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using it for other scams.
FBI Tips for Avoiding Romance Scams:
Be careful what you post and publicize online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.
Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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