Discovery Federal Credit Union is dedicated to protecting you from fraud, including romance scams. Here are some quick tips on how to avoid this increasingly common fraud technique:
You may have heard about red flags in a relationship, but you may not realize that it can sometimes lead to financial fraud. There are entire crime rings dedicated to convincing online victims that they’re in a committed relationship.
Now that the victim is vulnerable, scammers deceive them into giving up money, gifts, and even personal information that can be used to steal their identity.
Here are several reg flags to help you avoid this type of scam:
- Someone you’ve never met in person wants to start a relationship with you.
- You’re given excuses as to why they can’t meet you in person or talk to you by phone or video call, such as being in the military or working for an offshore oil rig.
- You’re promised a house, getting married, and even starting a family when they return from overseas.
- You’re asked for your online banking credentials so that they can deposit a fraudulent check that they claim is to help you out financially.
- They start asking you for money, gifts, or personal information, even if it doesn’t seem like a lot at first.
Be safe, and remember these red flags so that you don’t fall victim to an online romance scam.