Updates

Romance Scams: What Consumers Need to Know

Greetings!

Since 2020, scams and fraud have cost Californians over $2.7 Billion. These criminals are sophisticated and relentless, and even online-savvy people can fall victim. Recently, there has been a rise in “romance scammers” that prey on innocent people. 

Below are tips from California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) on how romance scammers may try to reach you or a loved one: 

Online Dating Services - Scammers use fake profiles complete with attractive photos and intriguing backstories.

Emails and Messaging Apps - Keep alert for unsolicited emails, or messages through social media messaging apps

Social Media - Watch for friend requests, direct messages, or comments on your posts — they’ll use any side door they can find to get through, often pretending to share your friends and interests.

To win your trust, scammers press every emotional lever, preying on loneliness and our shared need for companionship. Scammers often pose as a trusted romantic interest or family member, claiming to be in trouble and in need of an emergency wire transfer. Scammers like to strike just days or hours after getting a response, showering you with attention before you’ve had a chance to verify their identity, or even collect your thoughts. Romance frauds will also always wiggle out of meeting in-person. They have to! Common excuses include working overseas, serving in the military, sailing as a merchant marine, and more.

If you suspect you’re being scammed:

  • Stop communicating immediately.
  • Do not invest or send money just because someone asks you to. If your online companion asks for money, it’s likely a scam.
  • Block the scammer on social media, email, messaging apps, and every platform they’ve used to communicate with you.
  • Talk to someone you trust. Are your friends or family concerned about your new love interest?
  • Search online for the type of job the person has, plus the word “scammer.” For example, search for “oil rig scammer” or “US Army scammer.” Have other people posted similar stories?
  • Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. Is it associated with another name or details that don’t match up?

If you think you are the target of a scam or that your rights have been violated submit a complaint online, call DFPI at (866) 275-2677, or send an email to AskDFPI@dfpi.ca.gov 

If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from fraud or need help reporting a scam to DFPI, my office is here to help and can be reached at (925) 944-4901 or by visiting my website. It is my honor to serve you.