Romance Scams

Contact Us

Beware of Romance Scammers

Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.

The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. Con artists are present on most dating and social media sites.



Although romance is in the air ahead of this Valentine's Day....so are the scams that come with meeting a new partner. Romance scams have been on the rise. And the Federal Trade Commission says they total more losses than any other type of scam. Tina Pickup, First Vice President, Security and Fraud Investigations, FIU at Berkshire Bank.

The scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear themself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.

Scam artists often say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.

If someone you meet online needs your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using your account to carry out other theft and fraud schemes.

What should you do to protect yourself?

  • Be careful what you post and make public 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 they 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.

Remember

Never give your Social Security number, account numbers or other personal financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call.

 


For additional information, please check out some resources here:

Think Forward

Tools to help you get ahead