Romance scams are an increasingly common form of fraud, preying on individuals seeking companionship online. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps, social media, and other online platforms, pretending to be someone they’re not. They build emotional connections over weeks or months, gaining trust before asking for money under false pretenses—often citing emergencies, travel costs, or medical bills. Once they receive funds, they continue to make excuses for why they need more. Once the victim stops sending money, the scammer disappears, leaving them emotionally and financially devastated.
Common Warning Signs of a Romance Scam:
- The person professes love or deep feelings unusually quickly.
- They claim to live or work outside the U.S., often as a military member, contractor, or international professional.
- They frequently make excuses for why they can’t meet in person.
- They ask for financial help due to emergencies, medical expenses, travel, or lost jobs.
- They request money via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are difficult to trace.
Who Do Scammers Target?
While anyone can fall victim to a romance scam, fraudsters often prey on:
- Individuals over 40, particularly those who are widowed, divorced, or seeking companionship.
- People who appear lonely or vulnerable on social media.
- Those who are unfamiliar with online dating scams and red flags.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be skeptical of online relationships that move too fast.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Verify their identity—conduct a reverse image search of their profile picture to check if it appears elsewhere online under different names.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about any online relationship. Scammers often try to isolate their victims.
- Report suspicious behavior to the dating site, social media platform, or authorities.
What to Do If You Suspect You’re Being Scammed:
- Stop all communication with the individual immediately.
- Do not send money or provide financial details.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
- Contact Androscoggin Bank’s Fraud Team at 207-753-1534 or 1-800-966-9172 if you suspect fraudulent activity involving your accounts.
Scammers prey on trust and emotions, but you can protect yourself by recognizing the warning signs and staying cautious with online relationships. If something feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, reach out for guidance.
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