5 Tips to Avoid the Heartbreak of a Romance Scam

Cupid isn’t the only one aiming for your heart on Valentine’s Day. Romance scammers use social media and online dating sites to create cons that leave victims broke and brokenhearted.

Scammers often create a fake persona by using an image of an attractive person. They take the time to woo their mark, seeming genuine, caring and believable.

Once they gain the trust of their victim, they make up a story to ask for money — for a sick family member, to resolve financial trouble, or to meet face-to-face.

Follow these 5 tips to avoid the heartbreak of a romance scam, courtesy of the FBI.

Romance scam protection tip #1: Be careful what you post online

Scammers may use the information found on social media and dating sites to target their victim and gain their trust or affection.

Romance scam protection tip #2: Do your research and take it slow

Use online searches to see if the person’s image, name or details have been used elsewhere. Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating or social media site to communicate directly.

Romance scam protection tip #3: Don’t isolate

Beware of anyone who attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or information that could later be used to extort you.

Romance scam protection tip #4: Be skeptical

Be leery of anyone who promises to meet in person but always has an excuse for why they can’t.

Romance scam protection tip #5: Protect your finances

Never send money, trade or invest based on the advice of someone you met online. Do not disclose your current financial status or provide banking information, Social Security number, copies of your identification or passport, or any other sensitive information to anyone or on a site you cannot confirm is legitimate.

Stop all contact immediately if you suspect an online relationship is a scam. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.