Americans lost $143 million to online romance scams last year
Love is in the air, and as it turns out romance scammers are busy wooing people on popular dating sites, apps and social networking sites. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $143 million dollars last year to romance scams.
That’s a higher total than for any other type of scam, and it appears to be becoming more common.
Individually, Americans reported a median loss of $2,600 dollars from romance scams last year alone.
So if an online love interest asks you for money, don’t fall for it. That person pretending to be your sweetheart may be a scammer.
A few of the red flags include anyone who requests money, can’t meet in person, and has inconsistencies in their stories.
Experts say if you suspect you are being scammed, cut off all contact right away and report the scam to the Federal State Commission or the state attorney general.
Additionally, notify the dating site where you met the scammer.
