The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is allegedly working to raise awareness about online romance scams, also called confidence fraud. In this type of fraud, scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners on dating websites, apps, or social media by obtaining access to their financial or personal identifying information. Romance scams are prevalent, especially during this time of year, according to the press release.

Romance scams occur when a criminal uses a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. These scammers are present on most dating and social media sites. They look to establish a relationship as quickly as possible and endear themselves to the victim. Many may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person. Eventually, they will ask for money.

To avoid meeting in person, romance scammers often claim to live or work in other parts of the country or world. Eventually, when they feel they have gained the trust of their victims, these criminals will request money from them, oftentimes for a medical emergency, an unexpected legal fee, or some other false purpose.

If you develop a relationship with someone you meet online, please consider the following tips and beware of the red flags:

Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.
Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to go “offline”.
The individual professes love quickly.
The individual tries to isolate you from friends and family.
The individual makes plans to visit you, but always cancels because of some emergency. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have a good reason to be suspicious.
Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Never send money to anyone you only communicated with online or by phone.

If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).

FBI Los Angeles Field Office Warns of Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine’s Day