When love blooms in the digital space, especially during challenging times, how can you tell if it's real? Here are signs to help you steer clear of romance scams.

Loneliness mixed with the desire for love can cloud judgment, leading individuals to part with their money in support of someone they've never met. Unfortunately, dating platforms and social media have become prime territories for con artists impersonating potential partners, often claiming to be professionals working remotely. In truth, they aim to exploit unsuspecting individuals for financial gain.

Scammers are thriving. In 2020, over 23,000 victims reported losses exceeding $605 million due to romance scams, according to the FBI. This figure has significantly risen from five years prior when about 12,500 victims reported losses of over $203 million. The true numbers are likely much higher since many victims feel too embarrassed to report these incidents. The Better Business Bureau suggests nearly a million people in the U.S. could have fallen prey to these dating schemes.

Those aged 40 to 69 are often more susceptible to romance scams, but individuals aged 70 and above report the highest average losses, hitting $9,475 per incident, according to a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau representative. “Such losses can be devastating for older adults,” she emphasizes. “Recovery can be nearly impossible.”

While many couples find love online and enjoy lasting happiness, the key difference is they eventually meet face-to-face, much like the characters in the classic film “You’ve Got Mail.”

If you suspect something is off when connecting with someone online, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

THEY DECLARE LOVE TOO SOON

If your online match professes their feelings after just a few chats, be wary. You’re fantastic, but if someone rushes to use the “L” word, it’s a red flag. Take your time, especially if you haven't met in person.

THEY CLAIM TO BE OUT OF STATE OR IN ANOTHER COUNTRY

Common scams involve individuals claiming to work in remote locations, such as oil rigs or military bases, or professions that keep them away for long periods, like overseas physicians. Reports indicate a frequent narrative of a businessman in Turkey needing financial help for his son’s birthday.

THEY REQUEST MONEY FOR AN EMERGENCY

Con artists often spin tales of hardship, using fabricated stories of family emergencies or personal crises to gain sympathy and financial support. Beware of these narratives and never send money, gift cards, or money orders to someone you haven't met.

In 2020, reports of gift cards used in romance scams surged by nearly 70%, as noted by the Federal Trade Commission. Gift cards and wire transfers remain the top reported payment methods in these scams.

Some scammers take their time, keeping victims engaged for weeks or months before requesting funds, allowing them to appear more credible while juggling multiple victims simultaneously.

THEY OFFER TO SEND YOU MONEY

Some fraudsters seek accomplices to launder illegally obtained money. If someone you barely know offers to send you a large sum, decline and cease communication. Experts reveal that thieves often misuse stolen unemployment benefits, looking for unwitting individuals to help them move money. The last thing you want is to discover your new partner is a criminal after finding yourself in legal trouble.

THEIR PHOTOS OR PROFILES SEEM TOO IDEAL

Many scammers alter their images to appear excessively attractive or use photos of others to construct fake profiles. If your match has strikingly similar interests and preferences, from holiday films to favorite snacks, it might be too good to be true.

THEY REQUEST PERSONAL DETAILS OR IMAGES

This type of inquiry can be more dangerous than asking for money. Requests for your birthdate, bank details, or passwords are major red flags. Some scammers may also ask for compromising photos to blackmail you later.

With enough personal information, identity theft can occur, leading to fraudulent credit accounts opened in your name.

THEY USE COVID OR OTHER EXCUSES TO AVOID MEETING

Your online interest may seem eager to meet but continuously finds reasons to postpone. They may even claim a family emergency or a COVID diagnosis as an excuse for not meeting. These stories can make their intentions appear more plausible, especially during a pandemic.

THEY PREFER TEXTING OR EMAIL OVER VIDEO CALLS

A reluctance to engage in video chats often signals someone hiding their true identity. If they only want to communicate via text, their intentions may be questionable. Some scammers may appear on video but in dim lighting to obscure their features.

WAYS TO PREVENT ROMANCE SCAMS

With extensive experience in combating scams, federal agencies offer the following tips to avoid falling for a fraudulent love interest:

  • Avoid accepting friend requests on social media from unknown individuals.
  • Review your social media profiles and remove sensitive information.
  • Never wire money or send gift cards to someone you've not met in person.
  • Choose reputable dating sites, but remain cautious about potential scammers.
  • Utilize online search tools to verify that your match's profile and photos are legitimate.
  • If meeting someone in person, travel with caution and consult travel advisories.
  • Trust your instincts; if something seems off, discuss it with a friend or family member.

Reporting romance scams and financial exploitation is vital. Contact your state attorney general or visit the National Association of Attorneys General website for their contact details. You can also report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.