Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Romance scammers are ramping up in time for the holiday with more fake profiles and requests for money. The Federal Trade Commission reports that lonely hearts have lost a staggering $1.3 billion to romance scams over the last five years.
According to Socialcatfish.com, there is a surge of dating scams around Valentine’s Day. A record $547 million was lost to romance scams in the U.S. in 2021, up from $304 million in 2019.
Scammers use online dating apps and social media platforms to prey on lonely singles. Those desperate for love and connection are more susceptible to being victimized.
Romance scams have become the No. 1 fraud measured by the Federal Trade Commission over the last five years, with people losing a staggering $1.3 billion. - Socialcatfish.com.
Know how to spot and avoid scammers. With some effort, you can avoid scammers altogether. Pay attention to these signs
The profile you are reading seems too good to be true. Stolen photos of attractive, successful people are there to lure you in. Be on the lookout for that gorgeous model or billionaire who suddenly appears. Take time to vet your newfound friend. A reverse image search will tell you if the photo has been used repeatedly on different dating sites. Look for the image but with other names. It’s a common scam strategy.
Le coeur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît point. The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of. - Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, and religious philosopher.
Has this person quickly fallen in love with you? That’s great, but it is a red flag if you have never met this person. Take the lead in arranging a video chat or meeting in person. It’s pretty simple since everyone has a phone. If your new love refuses or comes up with reasons why they can’t make a video chat with you, you may have a catfish on your hands. It’s best to end the communication, regardless of how hot they are, if they are unwilling to video chat.
You are asked to open a crypto account, send gifts, or they need money and ask for it. They need money to buy food, take their auntie to the hospital, or pay for funeral expenses for a family member in London. Scammers use the same story over and over. They are extracting funds from you. Once you cash app someone money to someone you don’t know, you will not see it again. Sending bitcoin or gift cards is difficult for authorities to trace. Here is a foolproof solution. Do not send money to anyone you meet online.
Critical points to staying safe online
Be aware of common dating app scams
Reverse image search sooner rather than later
Don’t share cell numbers or addresses
Do not send money, crypto, or gift cards to anyone you meet online
When it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t
Armed with new awareness and tools, you will be better prepared to deal with the realities of online romance on the road to finding that special someone. Good luck!
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Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer & journalist based on the west coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, and workplace issues.
You’re welcome to share your thoughts or tell me your story. Please email me here. dp1@sawyertms.com
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