Recently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a warning about online romance (dating) scams, including those looking to ask you for money promising huge returns in cryptocurrency trading.
Here are some pieces of that warning:
Red Flag Indicators of Romance Scams
You may be the target of a romance scammer if the person you are communicating with online shows any of these indicators:
- Claims they live, work or are traveling abroad.
- Lacks proper grammar, although they claim to speak English.
- Claims to be notably younger than you.
- Quickly professes love to you.
- Has a story that is inconsistent.
- Has a minimal online presence.
- Sends general photos (mostly fake/AI generated) of themselves traveling, shopping, or dining at luxurious locations.
- Sends or requests explicit photos or videos.
- Mentions the idea of meeting and being together soon.
- Provides periodic excuses for being unable to make a video call (e.g., Facetime).
- If a video call happens, you’re unable to see their face clearly.
- Requests to have conversations/texts be moved to a separate app (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram).
Asks for money, often via non-traditional methods such as cryptocurrency or gift cards.
- Asks if you’ve ever invested in cryptocurrency and/or foreign exchange market.
- Sends a business link of a cryptocurrency and/or foreign exchange trading platform.
- Is combative with you or tries to divert your attention when you question their intentions.
The entire post is available at this link:
https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/insider/romance-scams-protect-yourself
Here is more from that post:
If you believe you have fallen victim of a romance scam:
- Do not blame yourself.
- Falling for a romance scam is not a sign of weakness, but rather a result of sophisticated and manipulative tactics. You are a victim, and it is not your fault.
- Stop communicating with the individual immediately.
- Talk to someone you trust and describe what’s going on.
- Notify the website or social media platform where the scammer first made contact.
- This can lead to the scammer’s profile being removed, protecting other potential victims.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement.
- Submit a fraud complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Regularly check bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
- If personal financial information has been shared, consider freezing credit reports or changing account details.
You also may wish to contact an attorney who can represent you on a contingency basis. If you believe that you were the victim of such a fraud which included websites such as OptionTradPro.com, OptionsTradPro.com, and similar websites/apps then you are welcome to contact the attorneys at Wyde & Associates.
The contact form is here: