Beware of romance scammers trying to steal your heart AND your money this month!
If you believe you have been a victim of a romance scam, please call us at (888) 599-2265, chat with us in our Online Banking portal, or visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/ for more information.
How it Works
Romance scammers use fake relationships to steal people’s money. These scams often start with private messages on social media or dating apps, after thieves review your interests to gain your trust. Once they have your trust, they take advantage of you, and you can end up with an empty bank account and a broken heart.
Red Flag
- Scammers often stick to texting/emailing and likely never want to speak on the phone or video chat.
- They can’t meet up in person because they live far away. The most common lie… they are deployed overseas or live in another state. They try to establish a relationship fast and might do things such as plan to meet in person or propose marriage. But, instead of following through with those plans, they’ll eventually ask for money.
- They try to establish a relationship fast and might do things such as plan to meet in person or propose marriage. But, instead of following through with those plans, they’ll eventually ask for money.
- They start asking for money. A plane ticket to visit you, pay for their visa, medical expenses, fees to get them out of trouble, or something else urgent. They may even offer to “help” you get started in cryptocurrency investing.
- They tell you they can’t access their bank account, and they say they need you to conduct a transaction for them.
- They say they need your personal information because they are opening an account in your name and are making a large deposit for you.
- They tell you not to tell anyone about the transaction they asked you to do, and will usually tell you to lie to your financial institution about the reason if they question it.
- They tell you how to pay: Wire money (through Western Union or MoneyGram), put money on gift cards (like Amazon or Google Play) and ask for PIN codes, send money through a money transfer app (like Venmo or Zelle), transfer cryptocurrency, or deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM.
If You Suspect a Romance Scam
Stop communicating with the person, IMMEDIATELY!
Talk to someone you trust—friends, family, neighbor, or your local banker.
If you already sent money or conducted a transaction on their behalf, contact us immediately to be advised on next steps.
For more information on romance scams please visit any of the following sites:
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/18/5-financial-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2024.html
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams
https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/romance-scams
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/break-up-with-online-romance-scams/