For lovers, Valentine’s Day might be your favorite commercial holiday. While it’s heartwarming to come home to flowers and chocolate, we want you to receive the gift of cyber safety this year, too.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) reports romance scams may be lurking, as criminals work to steal from or manipulate their loving victims.
The criminals who facilitate these scams typically come across as caring and genuine in order to get what they want. They want to quickly develop a close relationship with their victims and may even propose plans to meet in person. However, a meeting will never happen.
Eventually, instead of meeting, they will ask for money. The FBI says sometimes these con artists will say they are involved in projects outside of the United States to avoid physically meeting their victim.
If someone you meet online asks for your bank account or other personal information, do not give it. They could use that information to complete other theft or fraud schemes.
To avoid romance scams, the FBI recommends:
- Practicing careful posting on social media: scammers can use information shared on dating sites, apps or social media to target you
- Research the person’s information: see if their photos or information are being used elsewhere
- Ask a lot of questions: take your time with any relationship formed online
- Be skeptical if they seem “too perfect” or ask for other ways to communicate with you early in the relationship
- Be wary of anyone asking for inappropriate photos or financial information that could be used against you in extortion
- Be suspicious if you communicate for months without physically meeting
- Never send money
At Ameris Bank, we’re with you this Valentine’s Day. For more security tools, explore our online security solutions.
Published January 2023
Source: fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Ameris Bank is not affiliated nor endorses the company referenced in this article.