skyline 101 presents: romance scams
Members:
Sadly, romance scams are among us at an alarming rate. Individuals across the country are challenged by falling in love with their electronic suitor only to find out they have been scammed out of their hard earned money when it is too late.
You may think to yourself, this would never happen to me. or I'm pretty sure I would not fall for something like that. However, individuals fall for romance scams far too often and don't realize it has happened until it is too late. Here are some hints and tips on what to look out for:
Scammers will often ask:
- Can you send me money because I've been arrested for no good reason?
- I got injured at work and I need you to wire me funds so that I can pay my mortgage, will you help me?
- If you send me $1,000 now, I'll repay you by Friday and give you an additional $500 back.
Scammers will often find their victims through online dating services. These online sites can be from mobile apps, websites, and other electronic means.
Common attempts to get you to talk will include:
- Being very insistent on talking on the phone with no video.
- Only wanting to email you because it's not "safe" or "easy" to talk ont he website or app.
- Demanding that they speak with you in a hurried fashion because it's an emergency situation.
Scammers are also trying to push alleged feelings along and may start off in comforting ways or even seem soothing or personable, but then the conversation switches quickly to something more harsh or demanding in nature. They may be very quick to "fall in love" with you or want to get married.
The best ways to keep yourself protected would include:
- NEVER Give out your social security number.
- NEVER Share your account number.
- NEVER Share your debit or credit card number.
- NEVER Share your passwords with anyone you met online
- NEVER Share something you feel should not be shared for any reason.
If you are not sure if you're in this type of situation, contact us at 203-755-2030 and discuss today. It's okay if you feel embarrased. We are here to help you and protect your personal identity as well as your money.
We want to help you stay protected. Do not hesitate to call us for any reason.
Best,
James A. Higgins, MBA, CUDE
President and CEO