“Please send me $1,500. I can’t pay my rent this month.”

I’ve only started seeing Ruth a couple months ago. It feels so serious between us, but I already sent her $2,000 last month.

“If I don’t get the rent money by Friday I will be out on the street….normally I wouldn’t ask, but…things are tight.  I haven’t been working as many hours because I’ve been taking care of my mother and helping with her medical bills”

I debate back in forth in my head. I know what Ruth and I have is serious and would hate to lose her over something like this.

“I promise I’ll pay you back when I finally see you. This would really help me out of this bind.”

I send the money over, knowing we’re that much closer to being with each other.

Does this situation feel familiar? Valentine’s Day is about love, but also a time when scammers try to take advantage of people looking for connection. Romance scams can increase this time of year and lead to emotional and financial harm.  Be wary of these scams and know what to do if you’ve been targeted.

What’s a romance scam?

A romance scam is a tricky type of scam where someone pretends to be romantically interested in you in order to gain your trust and eventually your wallet. These scammers target people online through platforms like dating apps or social media. Once they’ve built an emotional connection, they’ll create stories (like a family emergency or medical issue) to ask for money or gifts. Their goal is to steal your money and personal information.

Red flags to watch for:

Romance scams can be hard to spot, especially if you’re caught up in the excitement of a new relationship. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Fast attachment: They declare love or affection quickly.
• Ask you for money: They’ll ask for money for an emergency, medical bills, or travel expenses early in the relationship.
• Avoiding in-person or video calls: They always have an excuse for why they can’t meet or make a video call because they’re hiding their identity.
• Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers tend to prefer untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

What to do if you’re in a romance scam:

You may feel embarrassed about falling victim to this type of scam, but rest assured we are here to help and never judge you. Scammers are smart, and anyone can fall victim to this kind of scam.

If you think you’re being scammed, it’s important to act fast:

• Cut off contact: Stop talking to them right away. Cutting off contact will help prevent further theft.
• Report it: Report the suspected scammer to the platform where you met (dating apps, social media) and flag the account.
• Contact us: If you’ve sent money or shared personal info, let us know as soon as possible. We can help lock down your accounts.
• Report to authorities: File a complaint with the FTC. The more info they have the better.
• Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

How to protect yourself

Prevention is key. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Don’t share personal information: Be careful about giving out sensitive details, especially with people you’ve recently met.
• Do your research: If something feels off, it usually is. Try to search for their name or photos online if you’re feeling suspicious. Often romance scammers will use a process called Catfishing, where they create a fictional persona, often through the use of stolen images of other people from the internet or social media.
• Trust your instincts: If you’re feeling pressured or something doesn’t sit right, hang up or walk away.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love – but don’t let scammers take advantage of you. Stay aware and protect both your heart and your wallet.