Usually, these folks are quick to express their love and will use fictitious stories to worm their way into hearts.  These stories often lead to an emergency of some kind involving money so sympathetic people are quick to help.  These folks are often scammed out of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.  

Scammers are creating fake profiles on online dating sites using stolen photos, often of deployed military personnel, to search for their victims.  RMCU has recently seen an increase in these fraudulent requests and wants to make members aware.  There are several examples of the Sweetheart Scam, but the most common type involves online banking. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these scammers now involve their victims in online banking fraud.  Once the “relationship” has been established, the scam artist will ask their love interest to open a new account and then transfer stolen funds into the account. They will then ask their victim to wire the funds out of the country.  While the victim believes they are just helping out their sweetheart, they are actually committing a crime.  

Following are some warning signs to look out for:

• Love interest wants to communicate off of the online dating platform immediately. He or she wants to use a personal e-mail, text, or phone number.
• The person asks you to wire money either using your financial institution, Western Union, or Money Gram. He or she may push you not to use your own financial institution, knowing it is on the lookout for this type of activity.
• The person asks you to set up a new bank account which is a BIG RED FLAG! 

Let’s get real.  If a situation seems too good to be true, it probably is.  You should NEVER send funds to anyone you meet online for any reason, no matter how heartbreaking the situation may seem.  RMCU is seeing this happen to members and it breaks your heart.

Here are a few helpful links for more security-related information.

• Understanding and Protecting Yourself Against Money Mule Schemes
• Faking It — Scammers’ Tricks to Steal Your Heart and Money

Please be vigilant while interacting online and realize that if someone on an online dating site is asking for money, it is most likely a scam.

If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:

• 6 Steps to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
• How Much Do You Need In Your Emergency Fund
• Tips For Boosting Your Credit Score