WASHINGTON–Forget swiping left or right—there’s a good chance an online romance can swipe your money.
The Federal Trade Commission, reporting that it receives thousands of reports each year about romance scammers who create fake online relationships only to steal their victims’ money, has launched a new infographic aimed at stopping a problem that costs victims an $220 million in 2016 alone, according to the FTC.
The new infographic, developed in conjunction the American Bankers Association Foundation, lists common signs of online dating scams and what to do if someone you meet online asks you for money.
“Victims may be embarrassed to talk about their experiences, but you can help,” the FTC said in a message to media and financial institutions. “A simple phone call, email or text, saying ‘Look what I just found’ and sharing this information may make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Among the warning signs of a scam artists, according to the FTC, include when the online “lover”:
- Wants to leave the dating site immediately and use personal email or IM
- Claims love in a heartbeat
- Claims to be from the U.S., but is traveling or working overseas
- Plans to visit, but is prevented by a traumatic event or a business deal gone sour
For more info, go here: ttps://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0560-online-dating-scams-infographic?utm_source=partner-pitch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aba-online-dating