HOUSTON – To the readers out there in the dating pool, my heart goes out to you — it’s scary enough as it is, but with love in the air this Valentine’s Day, FBI Houston wants to ensure the pheromones don’t cloud your decision-making.
SEE ALSO: New twist on old ‘romance scam’ has thieves asking to send you money
Recommended Videos
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with online dating, but it’s absolutely horrendous when people take advantage of others’ good nature. And if you have trust issues as it is, then you’ll want to be on the lookout for scammers who try to play with your heart.
In a safety guide, the FBI notes how quickly scammers move when trying to forge a relationship online. They’ll also make plans to meet in person, but conveniently, it’ll never happen but when they start asking for money, that should be the first sign of a red flag.
“Scam artists often say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S.,” the guide explained. “That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee. If someone you meet online needs your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using your account to carry out other theft and fraud schemes.”
RELATED: ‘ROMANCE SCAMS’: FBI Houston warns people of various Valentine’s Day swindles
Here is a list of ways the FBI encourages folks to protect themselves from online romance scams:
- Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
- Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.
- Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
- Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
- Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
- Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
- Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
Report romance scams by clicking here. Also, if you’ve been victimized or believe you are, the FBI encourages you to stop all contact with the scammer immediately.