In 2021, consumers reported they lost a record $547 million to romance scams, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission.
These scammers often pretend to be savvy investors giving advice to romantic interests, said Fletcher."They don't think they're sending money to a scammer."
"You also want to watch out for people whose lives seem mysterious," said Schulman."As alluring and exciting as that might be, if you're going to talk to someone and potentially date them, you want to know what they do and where they are." "You have to ask yourself, 'what is it about this person that they don't want you to see their face or hear their voice'," said Eva Velasquez, CEO of the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center. She added that another red flag is someone who seems constantly available in a way that doesn't add up with what they've told you about their life or career.the vast majority of romance scams take place with no in-person interaction whatsoever," said Fletcher.
"If they talk to people they know and those people are concerned, they should really pay attention," said Fletcher.