ORLANDO, FL (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Valentine’s Day is coming up and that means many people will be searching for that special someone to spend the holiday with. Millions of Americans use online dating apps or social networking sites to meet others. But before you click, type, or swipe, you should know about romance scams.
Online apps and sites have taken the dating world by storm.
A Forbes health poll found that nearly three in 10 US adults say they have used a dating site or app, and more than 40 percent say online dating has made dating easier for them. But despite their popularity, these dating services can be a platform for scammers! According to the Federal Trade Commission, in one year, people reported 547 million dollars in losses due to romance scams.
Romance scammers create fake profiles. They try to start a relationship to build trust, and then they ask for money. The Forbes report found people reported paying romance scammers more with gift cards than any other payment method. Some red flags that your potential love could be a scammer: they don’t post any profile pictures. Also, they move fast and pressure you to exchange personal information before you’re ready. Another warning sign? They tell you they can’t meet you in person. And, of course, they ask for money and tell you how to pay which is usually by wire, gift cards, a money transfer app, or cryptocurrency. Experts say if you think someone is conning you, stop communicating right away. Helping you avoid romance scammers and find the real thing.
If you think you’ve been a victim of a romance scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Also, notify the social networking site or app on which you met the scammer.
Sources:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams
https://www.forbes.com/health/dating/dating-statistics/
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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