OKC Standard

We all deserve love, but you should be very suspicious when someone contacts you, wanting to have an intense online relationship. It's called a "Romance Scam" and we've seen a spike in the number of victims being targeted by this crime. 

Scammers generally contact elderly victims through a fake online identity, then gain the victim's trust through the illusion of a romantic relationship then starts asking for money. Just recently we investigated a case where a victim lost nearly $60,000 to a "Romance Scam" con artist.

Tips for Avoiding Romance Scams:  

Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.

Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.

Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.

Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.

Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.

Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.

Original source can be found here