Romance Fraud
Confidence and Romance Fraud schemes
For many seniors, the internet offers a comfortable way to connect with others, but it’s also a target for cybercriminals. In 2018, the FBI reported that confidence/romance fraud was the seventh most common and second most costly scam, with significant victim losses. In this crime, elderly victims are tricked into believing they have a trust-based relationship, often with someone posing as a grandchild or love interest. The scammer manipulates them into sharing personal information, sending money or gifts, or unknowingly laundering money, primarily targeting elderly people who live alone.
Prevention Tips
- 1Claims to be from the U.S. but is currently living, working, or traveling abroad.
- 2Asks for money, goods, or any similar type of financial assistance, especially if you have never met in person.
- 3Asks for assistance with personal transactions (opening new bank accounts, depositing or transferring funds, shipping merchandise, etc.).
- 4Reports a sudden personal crisis and pressures you to provide financial assistance. Be especially wary if the demands become increasingly aggressive.