A scammer creates a fake online identity to gain a victim's liking and trust, and create a false relationship built on affection. This is done to manipulate the victim into giving the scammer money, or access to financial accounts. — AP
Fraud comes in many forms, and one way scammers take advantage of people is through their loneliness.
Rebecca Lewis, a sales manager with Arvest Bank, said romance scams are a type of imposter scheme.
A scammer creates a fake online identity to gain a victim's liking and trust, and create a false relationship built on affection. This is done to manipulate the victim into giving the scammer money, or access to financial accounts.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported total losses of US$1.14bil (RM5bil) to romance scams in 2023 alone, with the average losses per victim amounting to US$2,000 (RM8,872). Lewis said this is the highest reported loss for any type of imposter scam.
“Online dating continues to be increasingly popular, but unfortunately, scammers are exploiting this trend to deceive people seeking love,” Lewis said. “To stay safe, it’s important to know how to identify and avoid online romance scams, including what to do if you've already sent money.”
Lewis offered several tips on how to avoid falling prey.
"If a love interest asks for money, they may ask you to send it as a gift card, online money transfer or cryptocurrency," Lewis said. "A simple rule to follow when dating online: Never send money or gifts to someone you have not met in person."
Lewis said scammers may fall back on lies, saying someone close to them is sick, hurt or in jail. According to the FTC, this was the most common lie from perpetrators. Other lies include claiming to be able to teach investment skills, being in the military, and needing assistance with an important delivery.
"Be wary of sad stories," Lewis said. "Many are scam stories."
Another way to avoid being scammed is doing research.
"If you’re unsure about a new online love interest, there are ways to analyse the user’s pictures to spot a fake profile," Lewis said. "According to the FTC, having one or two photos may be a sign the scammer is withholding information, as well as posting pictures that look too perfect, such as a stock photo. You can always do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture to see if it’s connected to any other names or profiles online."
Lewis said to never share personal information, such as one's last name, location, or place of employment.
She said all age groups are vulnerable to romance scams, but older adults are the age group most often targeted.
"They typically have more assets and are less familiar with online dating," Lewis said. "If you have a parent, grandparent or loved one you are concerned about, share these tips with them or offer to help them look into anything they’re unsure about."
Lewis said victims can report scams in several ways.
"If you suspect that a new love interest has malicious intentions, make sure to report them to the dating site or app you are using," Lewis said. "If you suspect you have mistakenly sent money to a scammer, immediately contact your bank or the company that you used to send the money." – Tahlequah Daily Press, Okla./Tribune News Service
