February brings romance...and scammers. Here’s how much it’s costing Illinois residents
Illinois romance scam victims lost more than $19 million in 2021, according to a Feb. 6 press release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Springfield office, and recognizing red flags early can help protect you.
While the last year’s state numbers are still being calculated, 2021 brought 591 reported victims and $19,785,612 in romance scam losses in Illinois, the FBI reports. Across the U.S., preliminary 2022 estimates show the year brought 19,050 victims and $739,030,292 in losses.
“The FBI continues to educate the public about the potential dangers of online relationships with the hope that fewer people will become victims,” Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz said in the statement. “Fraudsters won’t stop pursuing a victim until the victim calls it quits. Proceed carefully and stay alert to warning signs from the very beginning to avoid the emotional and financial fall-out that accompanies romance scams.”
Here’s what to know about spotting red flags, avoiding scams and how to report them.
How to avoid romance scams
Here are some red flags the FBI says may indicate a scammer:
The person wants to quickly move the conversation from the app you met on to use exclusively texting or emailing.
The individual sends you a photo that looks heavily edited or fake.
They quickly profess love.
The person tries to isolate you from friends or family.
They claim to be living and working far away from where you live.
If plans are made to visit you, they’re always canceled due to an emergency.
The individual asks you to launder money or to send them money, personal and financial information or valuable items.
The person tries to manipulate you through stories of severe life circumstances, tragedies, deaths, injuries or other hardships.
They claim to have knowledge about cryptocurrency investments or trading opportunities that will result in major profits.
FBI Springfield offers the following tips to help you avoid being scammed:
Go slow and ask questions.
Stop all contact immediately if you suspect an online relationship is a scam.
Never send money to someone you met online and have never met in person.
Never share your Social Security number or any other personal identifying information.
Research the person’s photo and profile using separate search tools.
Be cautious if you’re planning to meet up with someone you met online, especially if you plan to travel to a foreign country.
Be careful what you post and make public online, scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
If you haven’t met the individual in person after a few months, you have good reason to be suspicious.
How to report relationship scams
Although some victims of relationship scams may feel embarrassed or ashamed to report their experience, FBI Springfield encourages them to come forward to help them stop scammers.
If you’re an Illinois resident who’s been victimized or unsuccessfully targeted by a romance scam, you can call the FBI Springfield office at 217-522-9675.
You can also file a complaint online through the FBI.
