On Valentine's Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert cautioning Californians about the prevalence of romance scams. These scams involve criminals adopting fake identities to gain victims' trust and affection with the aim of stealing finances or personal information. Communication often occurs through phone calls, text messages, social media, and dating sites.
"Love should never come at a price," stated Attorney General Bonta. "Scammers can use deception and emotional manipulation to take advantage of people looking for connection. I urge Californians this Valentine’s Day to stay vigilant, protect their hearts and wallets, and remember — if a stranger online asks for money, gift cards, or personal information — it is most likely a scam."
The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2022 nearly 70,000 individuals fell victim to romance scams, with an average loss of $4,400 per person. Advances in technology have made it easier for scammers to create convincing impersonations and requests for money or personal details. It is advised not to send money or financial information to unknown individuals met online.
Signs indicating potential scammers include sending unrealistically perfect photos, quickly professing love, excessive communication via texts or calls without meeting in person, requesting urgent financial assistance for emergencies or investments, and urging victims to move conversations off initial platforms.
To safeguard against these scams: avoid sending money without an in-person meeting; refrain from sharing personal data like addresses or financial details; consult friends and family if unsure about someone; research individuals using search engines; be cautious of investment offers involving cryptocurrency; check for inconsistencies in stories; use dating apps cautiously by not moving conversations to private messaging unless certain of the recipient's identity; and trust instincts if something seems too good to be true.
If targeted by a romance scam: cease communication immediately with the suspected scammer; report fraudulent profiles on social media and dating apps using built-in reporting features; file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or local law enforcement agencies.