BBB: Beware of Online Romance Scams

It’s Valentine’s Day and if you’re looking for romance the Better Business Bureau wants you to know that romance scams are more common than ever.

Even if you don’t use dating apps, you might still be targeted by one.

BBB Scam Tracker is getting reports from dating scam victims who were conned through social media. So, it’s important you get to know the signs of a scam, so you can spot a fake romance before getting in too deep.

Typically the scam works when you get a direct message from a user you don’t know.

If you reply, the conversation will start innocently enough.

At first, the scammer will claim to share your interests and likely has a social media account reflecting that.

For example, if you post photos of your pets, they may claim to be a fellow animal lover. If you share pictures of your children, the scammer may pretend to be a fellow single parent.

The scammer will quickly profess to be head-over-heels in love with you – without ever meeting you in person.

Then suddenly, a dramatic emergency seems to crop up whenever you plan to meet.

For example, your love interest suddenly needs financial support for their sick child.

Fortunately, you can help by wiring funds or sending prepaid gift cards.

Unfortunately, if you send money to the scammer, it will be gone for good and it isn’t long before you realize the person you fell in love with doesn’t exist.

The BBB recommends if you meet someone online ask them specific questions about the details in their profile and pay close attention to their answers.

If they lie, they likely won’t be able to keep their story straight.

You can read more about the BBB’s tip on romance scams by going online to BBB.org.

If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.

By reporting your experience, you can help others avoid falling for the same scam.