Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
Never Thought This is You Romance Scam

If you have received "Never Thought This is You" messages on dating and social media websites from some so-called online love interest asking you send money or set up a bank account, please note that is possible that some a romance scammer is attempting to scam you.

Remember, scammers create fake online profiles using photos of other people, even stolen pictures of real military personnel. They profess their love quickly. And they tug at your heartstrings with made-up stories about how they need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel. Why all of the tricks? They’re looking to steal your money.

As if all that isn’t bad enough, romance scammers are now involving their victims in online bank fraud. Here’s how it works: The scammers set up dating profiles to meet potential victims. After they form a “relationship,” they come up with reasons to ask their love interest to set up a new bank account. The scammers transfer stolen money into the new account, and then tell their victims to wire the money out of the country. Victims think they’re just helping out their soulmate, never realizing they’re aiding and abetting a crime.

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