Romance or Dating Fraud
Romance or dating fraud: Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and apps or contact you through popular social media sites like Instagram or Facebook.
The scammers strike up a relationship with you to build up trust, sometimes talking or chatting several times a day. Then, they make up a story and ask for money, sometimes they ask for inappropriate photos and videos, and they blackmail you.
- 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.
- 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.
- Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. Never provide your financial information or allow your bank accounts to be used for transfers of funds.