COLUMBUS – With the approach of Valentine’s Day, authorities are warning about “sweetheart scams,” where online con artists try to parley internet romance into quick cash.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine says his office last year received about 60 complaints about romance scams that started on Facebook or dating websites.
In a ”sweetheart scam” a con artist creates a phony profile online – as a military member stationed overseas, an oil rig worker, an heir to a large inheritance or someone who needs money for travel, medical or business costs — then contacts a potential victim and nurtures an online romance, DeWine said.
They may send photos or documentation to prove their identity and spend hours communicating with the victim before asking for money, usually by asking the victim to send wire transfers or money orders. They may be told that they will be repaid, but once they send their money, DeWine it is nearly impossible to recover.
He says consumers reported losing an average of over $21,000 in 2016 but some reported sending as much as $100,000 or more over the course of months or years.
To protect yourself from an online scam:
– Research someone you meet online
– Be careful about accepting friend requests on Facebook or other sites, even if you think you know the person
– Don’t send money to someone you’ve only met online and be very skeptical of requests for wire transfers, money orders, prepaid money cards, or gift cards. These are preferred payment methods for scammers.Source: Ohio Attorney General’s Office
If you suspect a scam, report it to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office’s website or by calling 800-282-0515.