Romance scams are on the rise, with more than 66% of people admitting to being targeted by scammers in a recent survey. These scams often involve online relationships that build trust over time before the scammer requests money or personal information. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission received over 64,000 reports of romance scams, resulting in $1.14 billion in losses. However, many victims do not report these crimes out of shame or fear of not being taken seriously.
To avoid falling victim to romance scams, it’s important to be skeptical of unsolicited messages and to stick to using dating apps that have measures in place to detect scammy behavior. Never give money to someone you have not met in person, and be cautious of anyone asking for personal information or explicit photos. It’s also important to do your homework on the person you are talking to, including checking their social media presence and doing a reverse image search.
If you do become a victim of a romance scam, it’s crucial to report it to authorities such as the FTC or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Good cybersecurity practices, such as setting strong passwords and keeping software up to date, can also help protect you from falling victim to online scams. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a romance scam and protect yourself from potential financial losses.
