As Valentine’s Day approaches, the FBI in Springfield is issuing a warning about the rise of online romance scams. Scammers are crafting sophisticated fake profiles to initiate relationships, ultimately aiming to steal money or personal information. In the past year alone, residents of Illinois reported losses totaling $19 million due to these deceptive practices. The FBI urges everyone to be vigilant. Key red flags include sudden requests for financial assistance and swift declarations of love. If you encounter suspicious online behavior, it’s crucial to report it to the authorities to help prevent further victimization. Stay safe and cautious in your online interactions.
“If someone has already sent money, the FBI will make every effort to see that the funds are returned to the victim by working with other law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, but often times it can be difficult to investigate. That’s why the FBI relies on education and awareness to deter individuals from falling victim to these scams,” said Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “Proceed carefully and stay alert to warning signs from the very beginning to avoid the emotional and financial fall-out that accompanies romance scams.”
Here are some red flags that might indicate you are headed for heartbreak.
• You are asked to leave the dating website where you met to communicate solely through email or instant messaging.
• The individual sends you a photo that looks like a glamour shot out of a magazine.
• The individual professes love quickly.
• The individual tries to isolate you from friends and family.
• The individual claims to be working and living far away.
• Plans made to visit you always cancel because of an emergency.
• You are asked to send money, personal and financial information, items of value, or to launder money.
• The individual uses stories of severe life circumstances, tragedies, deaths in the family, injuries to themselves, or other hardships to keep their victims concerned and involved.
• A claim they have knowledge of cryptocurrency investments or trading opportunities that will result in substantial profits.
FBI Springfield offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim.
• Go slow and ask questions.
• If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately.
• Never send money to someone you met online and have not met in person.
• Never share your Social Security number or other personally identifiable information.
• Research the individual’s picture and profile using other online search tools.
• If you are planning to meet someone in person, proceed with caution, especially if you plan to travel to a foreign country.
• Be careful what you post and make public online as scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
• If you haven’t met the individual in person after a few months, you have good reason to be suspicious.
Many times, victims may feel embarrassed, ashamed or humiliated and be reluctant to share their victimization with anyone, let alone report it to law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to contact FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675 and file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3. Coming forward will provide law enforcement with the necessary information to ensure online imposters are stopped and brought to justice.