FBI warns of romance scams forward of Valentine’s Day.
SAN ANTONIO — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning about romance scams, which have a tendency to improve close to Valentine’s Day.
In the U.S., $1.3 billion was misplaced to scammers final yr. That’s a new document excessive, in accordance to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). People reported $547 million in losses to romance scams in 2021, and $304 million in 2020.
Chris Feliciano, also called San Antonio’s “Dating Doc,” says the vacation for love can even make individuals really feel lonely.
“Valentine’s Day just has this feeling of gift giving, of connecting, of going on dates,” stated Feliciano. “So, you feel this immense pressure if, let’s say, you have been single for some time.”
That could make individuals extra vulnerable to scams.
“[Scammers] definitely target the dating websites because the psychology behind it is that sense of longing and companionship,” Feliciano stated.
According to the Dating Doc, younger males and older girls are focused probably the most.
“So, what you want to look for is if the online dating profile is written in all caps,” he stated. “That’s a telltale sign. First off, you shouldn’t be talking to someone who writes in all caps. The other thing you want to look at is if the photos are professionally done. If they say they are from San Antonio but you don’t see anything that even resembles San Antonio, that’s a red flag. We have had people reverse image a photo and find out that person’s real name and learn that person is married or lives somewhere else.”
The FTC says scammers often fake emergencies. They will declare to be within the hospital or in jail to strain their victims into giving them cash.
“Don’t fall for the sympathy ploy,” Feliciano stated.
Other potential lies embrace, however should not restricted to, claiming to be within the army, needing assist with an vital supply, coming throughout cash, or wanting to get married earlier than assembly.
Feliciano encourages individuals to vet on-line companions and take issues gradual.
“Love yourself first,” he stated. “Regardless of whether you date or don’t date, you’ve got to love yourself first.”
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