Law enforcement officials warn of online romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day
Officials say it often happens when someone sets up a fake profile, gains the victim’s trust and then manipulates them into sending money.
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If you’re looking for love online as Valentine’s Day approaches, some law enforcement officials are warning about potential scams.
The Federal Trade Commission says about 65,000 people reported falling for romance scams in 2023 – with losses amounting to more than $1 billion.
Officials say it often happens when someone sets up a fake profile, gains the victim’s trust and then manipulates them into sending money.
"You've lost self-pride, self-respect, maybe you were in love, and you don't have that relationship anymore. It's very difficult between your actual loss and then your personal loss,” says Jan Mason, a private investigator and former FBI special agent.
The FBI says that the public should beware if the person you’re speaking to wants to leave the dating app to communicate directly through another means or if they refuse to meet in person.
