On Valentine's Day, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about the dangers of romance scams. With the increasing use of online dating platforms and social media to find love, fraudsters are taking advantage of unsuspecting users and causing significant financial losses. In 2022 alone, Floridians lost over $85 million to romance scams.
Attorney General Ashley Moody emphasized the need for caution, stating, "Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and connection, but it's important to be vigilant when it comes to online dating. I am providing tips to help Floridians protect their hearts and wallets from romance scams."
Romance scammers often create fake dating profiles to lure in their targets. These scammers employ various tactics, including sharing fabricated stories of financial hardship to manipulate their victims into providing money or personal information.
To avoid falling victim to romance scams, Attorney General Moody offers the following tips:
1. Be skeptical of individuals who profess love or devotion too quickly, as this could be a tactic to manipulate emotions and gain trust.
2. Look for verified accounts with photos and detailed profiles on online dating platforms.
3. Ask detailed questions and be alert for any suspicious or contradictory answers.
4. When meeting someone in person, choose public locations for safety.
5. Exercise caution when engaging with individuals claiming to be overseas on business, especially if they consistently avoid face-to-face meetings or video calls.
6. Never send money to strangers.
Attorney General Moody also provided additional resources for those seeking more information or wishing to report romance scams. The "Scams at a Glance: Swindling Sweethearts" resource by Attorney General Moody is available in English [click here] and Spanish [click here]. Incidents of romance scams can be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center [click here] or the Federal Trade Commission's Report Fraud website [click here].
The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to keep Floridians informed about emerging scams, new methods of fraud, and common deceptive practices. These alerts aim to prevent financial losses and other harm caused by scams. If you encounter a scam, it is essential to report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.
In this digital age, it is crucial to exercise caution and stay informed to protect our hearts and wallets from scammers who seek to exploit our emotions. By following the tips provided by Attorney General Moody, Floridians can navigate the online dating world safely and avoid falling victim to romance scams.