![]() The way romance scammers ask for money is another important piece of the story. You just need to send someone “customs fees” up front. Or they say they want to send you an expensive gift. Or they may turn the tables by offering to do you a “favor.” For example, they may claim to be a big-time crypto investor who can share inside know-how with you. They’ll tell you they’re hurt, sick, or in jail and all they need to ignite the romance IRL is cash to cover hospital bills, bail, or some other calamity. Once they’ve forged a connection, the sob stories start. One thing romance scammers have in common is knack for lying with – you knew this was coming – a “Poker Face.” The Data Spotlight lists favorite “Love Game” lies reportedly told by romance scammers: According to the Data Spotlight, their excuses are often baked into their bogus identities – for example, they live half-way around the globe and can’t leave the country. Are you a football fan? They are, too! Is poetry your thing? OMG, let me count the ways! But when it comes time to meet in real life, they have a “Million Reasons” to avoid a face-to-face. That’s where they may turn to a favorite trick: subtly teasing out their target’s likes and dislikes and then mirroring them back to create what looks like an instant connection. ![]() ![]() You know, one of those “Hi, there,” “Loved your post,” or “You’re cute!” comments from an attractive stranger.įrom there, the romance scammer may suggest a move to WhatsApp, Google Chat, Telegram, etc. ![]() But the more common approach – according to 40% of reports – was through a social media platform, often as an unexpected message. Many people who report losing money say the contact started on a website or app. This Valentine’s Day if you find yourself gaga over an online love, the Federal Trade Commission – yes, the FTC – has advice on ways to tell if you could be caught in a “Bad Romance.”Īccording to a new Consumer Protection Data Spotlight, in 2022 the Consumer Sentinel Network received nearly 70,000 reports of romance scams, with reported financial losses hitting a staggering $1.3 billion. About the FTC Show/hide About the FTC menu items.News and Events Show/hide News and Events menu items.Advice and Guidance Show/hide Advice and Guidance menu items.Competition and Consumer Protection Guidance Documents.Enforcement Show/hide Enforcement menu items. ![]()
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