Dating and Romance Scams
What is it?
Romance scams typically start online, commonly on dating sites but can also originate on other types of sites or social media. Fraudsters will work to develop a relationship or close friendship with the victim. At some point in the relationship there is a request for money, and this can be for various reasons. Fraudsters will push the need for the victim to send funds, even ask the victim to use LOC, retirement funds or take out loans. Fraudsters will always have an explanation and often instruct victim to not speak with their financial institution or tell them why funds are being sent. Fraudsters may also send funds in the form of cheque or request online banking password to deposit funds via remote deposit capture.
Red Flags:
- Quick affection and large number of compliments and requests to meet.
- Communication quickly moves off dating site to email and text messages.
- Receive a request to send money; financial troubles, lost documents and need money to replace them, want to come visit and need money for travel, need help with a business expense.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do not send money to someone you have not met in person.
- Do not share your financial information or online banking information.
- Ensure the site you are using is legitimate (i.e Dating Site).
- Be suspicious of anyone that develops deep feelings quickly.
- Ask lots of questions.
- Contact Libro before sending money.