Tips and tricks to prevent romance scams this Valentine’s Day

As Valentine’s Day approaches, romance scams are on the rise. Joe Ducey, a reporter and podcaster for the Better Business Bureau, joined “Arizona Horizon” to explain how to protect yourself and loved ones against scams.

Romance scams are online confidence tricks where scammers build fake romantic relationships to manipulate victims into sending money. Scammers usually strike on social media or dating apps, using emotional tactics and urgent stories to exploit trust.
Red flags include quickly professing love, refusing to meet in person, and requesting wire transfers or gift cards.

“We found from February to April…$185,000 taken,” Ducey said, “…kind of is a big deal during Valentine’s day, but it’s a problem all year…and it takes more money per scam per person, than any other scam that we follow.”

Targets of scams around this time of year tend to be recently widowed individuals or divorced seniors who are left vulnerable. Many are approached through social media, text message, or through a dating app.

“…so that kind of thing happens. They lead you off of the platform, and they become more emotional,” Ducey explained, “…and then they start talking about money…yours, and how they’re gonna get it.”

Ducey emphasized that if one thinks they are in a situation similar to these, they should take a step back and contact a family member to get their input. It is considered a scam if it’s contacted out of the blue, if they’re out of the country, and won’t meet or video chat.

“If you’re involved in it,” Ducey said, “…talk to them about how this actually happened, and maybe there’s gonna be some realization.”

Ducey also encouraged the banking institutions to get more involved when scams occur involving one of their customers. However, many of the banks state they are unable to help as the individual agreed to the transaction.