Florida – The FBI has recently issued a warning about the potential dangers lurking on dating and social media platforms.
The bureau has identified that individuals behind romance scams are highly skilled, appearing sincere, compassionate, and trustworthy. These fraudsters are widespread across numerous dating and social networking platforms.
Their primary goal is to quickly forge a bond with the target, earn their affection, and establish a sense of trust. While they might suggest marriage and arrange face-to-face meetings, such encounters are promised but never realized. In due course, they will invariably solicit money.
These deceitful individuals frequently claim to work in construction and to be involved with projects abroad, making excuses for not meeting in person more believable, especially when they request funds for supposed emergencies or legal issues.
According to a press release, the year 2017 saw 1,085 individuals fall victim to such scams, with losses amounting to $13 million. The situation worsened by 2022, with 1,474 Florida victims reporting over $53 million in financial damages.
The FBI strongly advises the public to exercise caution with their online personal data, reminding them that scam artists actively search for targets on dating and social media platforms.
For those engaged in online relationships, consider the following precautions:
- Verify the authenticity of the person’s photo and profile by checking if it is used elsewhere.
- Proceed cautiously and inquire deeply.
- Be skeptical of someone who appears flawless or quickly suggests moving conversations off the platform.
- Be alert to any attempts by the person to isolate you from your friends and family.
- Be cautious if asked for compromising images or financial details.
- Question any promises of meeting in person that are consistently excused.
- Refrain from sending money to anyone you haven’t met in person.
For those who suspect they may be involved in an online relationship scam, the FBI urges them to immediately cease all communication and recommends filing a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
