Avoid getting your heart broken this Valentine’s Day by steering clear of online dating romance scams.
Better Business Bureau Northwest is warning people to be on the lookout for scammers who impersonate U.S. service members, as well as computer-generated scam bots on online dating sites and apps, such as Bumble and Tinder.
Veronica Craker, Communications Director with the BBB, says soldier impersonators target other soldiers or pretend to be a soldier themselves. They contact a person online and start a “relationship” then start asking for money to pay for transportation costs, communication fees, marriage processing or medical fees. Craker says once these scammers get the money, they cut off all contact. Craker says those are costs the military typically handles.
Another scam to watch out for is Tinder scam bots. These are computer generated Tinder matches that are often scripted bots that pressures users into sending money or getting them to install malware that can infiltrate their computers.
Craker says to ignore anyone who shows these online-dating scam signs:
Do not send money. Be wary of soldiers or others who are out of the country and ask for money. Beware of visiting or downloading any links they send or giving them bank account or other personal information.
Communication is key. It’s a red flag if they refuse to talk with you on the phone or meet in person. Service members in a combat zone overseas often have an APO and FPO mailing address.
Slow down. Be wary of saying “I love you” in the beginning of a relationship. When emotions run high, victims can feel obligated to send money.
Don’t fall for automatic messaging. When a user messages instantly and types at a rapid pace with generic responses, it’s most likely a computer-generated scam bot.
And if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid contact with users who have very little pictures on their profiles, look like a famous person or have no Facebook friends or common interests.
If you think you may have fallen for a romance scam, you’re encouraged to report it to the BBB at bbb.org/scamtracker.