Finding that special someone in today’s modern world often means looking to your computer screen or digital device to make a connection. Unfortunately, the internet makes it easy for romance scammers to hide their true identity and who you thought was an honest connection is actually an imposter operating on another continent, often in a scam labor camp.
Since these bad actors are primarily overseas, catching them is difficult and nowhere is that more apparent than in California, where the number one fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission last year is imposter scams.
With California being the most populous state in the country, it makes sense that it is also has the highest number of reported scams. San Diego County is no different and has its share of heavy financial losses due to imposters posing as a love interest who suddenly needs cash for an emergency or has an investment scheme they are proposing.
In 2023 alone, there were more than $1.3 million in losses due to romance scams reported to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit. The figure is likely much higher, since many of these scams go unreported due to embarrassment or in hopes that the online love interest will eventually make good.
When the conversation turns to loans, wiring money, sending cryptocurrency, or needing temporary cash advances because of a dire situation, that’s a red flag. When this happens, it’s your sign to shut down contact because your online sweetheart is a trickster looking for easy money.
Last year there were more than $1.1 billion in losses to romance scams according to an FTC report.
The most common line tricksters use to ask for money is that someone they know is sick, hurt or in jail. If your online romantic interest asks for money, slow down and think about it before you act. Here are other common lies romance scammers use to get money or information to extort you as reported to the FTC.
Someone I know is sick, hurt or in jail.
I can teach you how to invest.
I’m in the military far away and that’s why I can’t meet in person.
I’m in a faraway country completing a lucrative business deal.
I need help with an important delivery.
We’ve never met, but let’s talk about marriage.
I’ve come into some money or gold.
I’m on an oil rig or ship.
You can trust me with your private pictures.
Before you give in to the urge to help, follow these tips:
Do not send money or gifts to anyone you do not trust or have not met in person.
Do not agree to receive money, cryptocurrency, or packages and send it on to someone else. You could be opening yourself up to becoming a money mule or an accessory to criminal conduct and committing crimes yourself.
Scammers will move the conversation off of the dating app to avoid detection by the dating site.
Don’t believe tough-luck stories requiring money. Ask questions and be aware of inconsis¬tencies.
Use Google image search to check your online sweetheart’s photo. If the same image shows up with a different name, be suspicious.
If you decide to meet your online suitor in person, meet in a public place the first few times and make sure a trusted friend or family member is aware of the meeting.
Remember, in the world of online dating, that perfect match could be a perfect fake. Ask questions and be aware that sometimes a person’s character may not match their profile photo.
Summer Stephen is San Diego County District Attorney.
