Romance Scams

Signs of a Scam
  • Professes love quickly.
  • Claims to be overseas for business or military service.
  • Asks for money, and lures you off the dating site.
  • Claims to need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel.
  • Plans to visit, but can’t because of an emergency.
Costliest Scam Reported to the FTC in 2020
  • $304 million lost in 2020, compared to $75 million in 2016
  • Reported money losses increased 4 times since 2016
What to do
  1. Slow down — and talk to someone you trust. Don’t let a scammer rush you.
  2. Never wire money from your bank account, buy gift cards, or wire money to an online love interest. You won’t get it back.
  3. Contact your bank right away if you think you’ve sent money to a scammer.
  4. Report your experience to the online dating site and to the Federal Trade Commission:  opens in a new windowReportFraud.ftc.gov

This content was originally feature on the American Bankers Association website, and is used with permission.

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