February 13, 2024

With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office reminds the public to beware of online romance scams.

Scammers create fake online profiles through dating sites and apps, and social media, then try to attract victims into trusting relationships. Once that trust is established, the suspect then makes up a story about an emergency or need—such as a family member who is supposedly sick, hurt or in jail—and asks the victim for money; or they may claim to have a great investment opportunity.

Warning signs of a potential scam include someone who is quick to profess their love, who says they are a soldier or some kind of hero in a faraway place, or who makes plans to meet in person, but never follows through.

Be careful when sharing personal information on social media; and watch for inconsistencies in a person’s story, or lack of verifiable details about their background. Never send money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency or a money transfer app to someone you just met, or haven’t met in person.

Attorney General Kris Mayes says tens of thousands of people fall victim to romance scams every year; and if you feel unsure at all about a relationship, talk to a family member or friend. If you have been the victim of a romance scam, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com