Golden State Today

On Valentine's Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert cautioning residents about the risks of romance scams. These scams involve criminals creating fake identities to gain trust and affection from victims, ultimately manipulating or stealing their finances or personal information. The scams often occur through phone calls, text messages, social media, and dating sites.

"Love should never come at a price," stated Attorney General Bonta. "Scammers can use deception and emotional manipulation to take advantage of people looking for connection. I urge Californians this Valentine’s Day to stay vigilant, protect their hearts and wallets, and remember — if a stranger online asks for money, gift cards, or personal information — it is most likely a scam."

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2022 nearly 70,000 individuals fell victim to romance scams with an average loss of $4,400 per person. Advances in technology have enabled scammers to create more convincing impersonations and requests for money or personal details. It is crucial not to send money or share financial details with someone you haven't met in person.

Warning signs of potential scammers include sending photos that appear too perfect, quickly professing love, frequent communication attempts via texts or emails without meeting in person, requesting to move conversations off initial platforms, and making urgent requests for money due to emergencies or investments.

To protect against romance scams:

- Avoid sending money to those you haven't met.

- Refrain from sharing personal information like addresses or financial data.

- Consult friends and family if uncertain about someone.

- Research individuals using search engines.

- Be cautious with investment offers involving cryptocurrency as they may be fraudulent.

- Look out for inconsistencies in stories shared by potential scammers.

- Use dating apps safely by avoiding private messaging until sure of the person's identity.

- Trust your instincts; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If targeted by a romance scam:

- Cease communication immediately with the suspected scammer.

- Report fraudulent profiles on social media and dating apps using built-in features.

- File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or local law enforcement.