Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart (or Stealin’ My Wallet): Stay Safe from Online Romance Scams
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many people are looking for love online. While the internet has made it easier to connect with others, it has also opened the door for scammers looking to take advantage of hopeful hearts. Romance scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to steal money and personal information.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones from online romance scams.
How Romance Scams Work
Romance scammers typically operate on dating apps, social media platforms, and even through email. They create fake identities, often using stolen photos and fabricated stories, to gain trust. Once they’ve established an emotional connection, they begin making requests—usually for money, gift cards, or even banking information.
Some common excuses scammers use include:
✅ Needing money for an emergency (medical bills, travel, or family crises)
✅ Being stationed overseas (military, offshore work, international business)
✅ Having an unexpected financial setback (losing access to bank accounts or funds)
These scammers are skilled at emotional manipulation, making their victims feel guilty, obligated, or even in love before asking for financial help.
Warning Signs of an Online Romance Scam
To protect yourself, watch out for these red flags:
🚩 They move too fast – Scammers often profess love quickly, sometimes within days or weeks of first contact.
🚩 They avoid video calls or in-person meetings – If someone always has an excuse for why they can’t meet or video chat, it’s a red flag.
🚩 Their stories are inconsistent or too dramatic – Be skeptical if they have an overly tragic or heroic backstory.
🚩 They ask for money or personal details – A legitimate love interest will never pressure you for financial help or sensitive information.
🚩 They claim to be from your country but are currently “working” abroad – Many scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens who are temporarily overseas.
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
✔️ Do a Reverse Image Search – If you suspect someone might be using fake photos, use Google’s reverse image search to see if their pictures appear elsewhere.
✔️ Never Send Money or Gifts – No matter how convincing their story is, do not send money, gift cards, or banking details.
✔️ Keep Personal Information Private – Don’t share your full name, address, workplace, or financial details with someone you haven’t met in person.
✔️ Be Skeptical of Sudden Declarations of Love – Real relationships take time to develop. If someone is rushing things, proceed with caution.
✔️ Talk to Friends & Family – If you’re unsure about an online romance, discuss it with people you trust. They may spot warning signs you’ve overlooked.
✔️ Report Suspicious Activity – If you think you’ve encountered a romance scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Stay Safe & Smart Online
Love is a wonderful thing, but it should never come at the cost of your safety or financial well-being. This Valentine’s Day, stay cautious and informed when engaging with potential love interests online. If something feels off, trust your instincts—genuine connections don’t come with demands for money.
At Cumberland Connect, we believe in keeping our community connected—and protected. Share this information with friends and family to help prevent romance scams from breaking hearts and bank accounts alike.
Stay safe, stay smart, and have a happy Valentine’s Day!
