Homeland Security Warning On Cryptocurrency Dating Scams

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:

CONTACT WYDE & ASSOCIATES

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