What are Romance Scams?
03/21/2024
What are Romance Scams?
Romance scams are deceiving schemes where culprits use fake affection to manipulate people into giving them money or access to their financial accounts.
What are romance scammer’s tactics?
Romance scammers use various methods to carry out their operations, often going after vulnerable people through online platforms such as social media, dating websites, and smartphone apps. Initially, they create fake profiles with appealing photos and convincing personal stories to lure victims into a false sense of trust. Scammers use a sneaky tactic called "love bombing" to quickly build a fake bond with their victims. They shower them with lots of compliments, sweet messages, and affection to make them feel special and loved. They may create false emergencies or elaborate stories to gain money from their victims, often claiming it's for travel expenses, medical bills, or other urgent needs. Additionally, some scammers may request access to their victims' financial accounts under the cover-up of shared investments or joint ventures. This is all just a trick to manipulate their feelings and gain their trust. So, it's important to be cautious and take your time getting to know someone before you trust them completely. Overall, romance scammers take advantage of people's kindness and trust by lying and tricking them to get what they want.
How can YOU avoid romance scams?
1. Be cautious online: Don't share personal or financial information with someone you've just met online, and be wary of individuals who ask for money or financial assistance.
2. Verify identities: Use reverse image searches or ask for additional identification to confirm the identity of individuals you meet online.
3. Meet in person: Whenever possible, arrange to meet potential romantic partners in person and conduct initial meetings in public places.
4. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and investigate further before proceeding.
5. Stay informed: Educate yourself about common tactics used by romance scammers and share this information with friends and family to help prevent others from falling victim.
It's crucial for you to remain cautious, never giving strangers access to financial accounts or sharing sensitive information. TVFCU advocates for community awareness, providing resources and support to help members recognize and report suspicious activities. Visit our website at https://www.tvfcu.com/benefits-education/fraud-education for more information on fraud.
Related Links:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guard-your-wallet-well-your-heart-romance-scams/