Don’t Go Scamming My Heart!

Protect Yourself from Online Romance Scams this Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air and online, but online scammers are too. This Valentine’s Day and every day, it’s important to be vigilant and safeguard your personal information online. Here are some tips to help you avoid the heartbreak of falling for an online romance scam, including the biggest red flags to watch out for.

Red Flags:

Too Good to Be True:

Beware of individuals who seem overly perfect or too good to be true. Scammers often use flattering language and shower their targets with compliments to quickly build trust.

Urgency and Pressure:

If the person you’re communicating with pushes for a quick progression in the relationship, such as professing love or discussing marriage early on, it could be a sign of a scam. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate their victims into making hasty decisions.

Refusal to Meet in Person:

Be cautious if your online partner consistently makes excuses to avoid meeting face-to-face, or cancels plans at the last minute. Scammers often maintain distance to conceal their true identity.

Financial Requests:

One of the most significant red flags is when your online partner requests money or financial assistance. Whether it’s for emergency situations, travel expenses, or medical bills, never send money to someone you’ve only met online.

Inconsistencies in Stories:

Pay attention to inconsistencies or discrepancies in the information provided by your online partner. Scammers may forget details they previously shared or provide conflicting stories about their background, job, or personal life.

Unwillingness to Share Personal Information:

If your online partner is hesitant or refuses to share personal details or photos, it could indicate they’re hiding their true identity. Genuine individuals seeking a meaningful connection are typically more open about sharing information about themselves.

Tips to Avoid Online Romance Scams:

Research and Verify:

Before fully investing in a relationship with someone you met online, conduct research to verify their identity. Use search engines and social media platforms to cross-reference their information and photos. A reverse-image search is an easy way to identify whether your online partner may be using someone else’s photo they found online.

Take Things Slow:

Avoid rushing into a relationship and take the time to get to know the person gradually. Genuine connections develop over time, and legitimate partners will respect your pace.

Guard Your Personal Information:

Be cautious about sharing sensitive information such as your address, financial details, or personal identifiers early in the relationship. Protect your privacy until you’re confident in the other person’s intentions.

Stay Skeptical:

Maintain a healthy level of skepticism, especially when encountering any of the red flags mentioned earlier. Trust your instincts and don’t ignore warning signs, even if you’re emotionally invested in the relationship.

Communicate with Trusted Friends or Family:

Share details about your online interactions with trusted friends or family members. They can offer an outside perspective and provide support if they notice any suspicious behavior.

Don’t set yourself up for heartbreak by sharing your personal or financial information with an online scammer! Always look out for these red flags when cybersurfing for love. We hope you stay safe and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sources: National Cybersecurity Alliance