FBI Cleveland Warns of Romance Scams and Confidence Fraud
February 13, 2025
Cleveland, Ohio – The FBI Cleveland is issuing a warning to the public about the increasing prevalence of romance scams and confidence fraud schemes targeting individuals in the region.
Romance Scams
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online profiles on dating apps and websites to lure victims into romantic relationships. Once a connection is established, the scammer may profess their love and affection quickly, attempting to gain the victim’s trust. They often ask for financial assistance, claiming to have a medical emergency, being in trouble with the law, or needing money for travel or other expenses.
Confidence Fraud
Confidence fraud involves a fraudster gaining the trust and confidence of a victim before exploiting them financially. This may be done through various tactics, such as:
- Imposter Scams: Pretending to be a legitimate organization, such as a government agency or a business, to obtain personal or financial information.
- Inheritance Scams: Convincing a victim that they are entitled to a large inheritance or lottery winnings but require a payment to release the funds.
- Investment Fraud: Offering lucrative investment opportunities with guaranteed returns that are too good to be true.
Warning Signs
The FBI urges the public to be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate a potential romance scam or confidence fraud:
- Online-Only Relationships: The scammer may refuse to meet in person or make excuses for not being able to do so.
- Quick Declarations of Love: The scammer may profess their love and affection very quickly, even after only a few conversations.
- Requests for Money: The scammer may ask for financial assistance in any form, claiming to have a pressing need.
- Promises of Large Rewards: The scammer may promise significant financial gains or other benefits in return for money or personal information.
- Pressure to Act Quickly: The scammer may create a sense of urgency, emphasizing that the victim needs to act immediately.
Prevention Tips
To avoid falling victim to romance scams and confidence fraud, the FBI recommends the following:
- Be Skeptical: Be wary of people you meet online who seem too perfect or who make promises that are too good to be true.
- Research: Conduct research on the person you are communicating with to verify their identity and avoid falling for fake profiles.
- Never Send Money: Do not send money or personal information to someone you have not met in person.
- Protect Your Information: Use strong passwords and be careful about what information you share online.
- Report Scams: If you suspect you are being targeted by a romance scam or confidence fraud, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Consequences of Falling Victim
Falling victim to a romance scam or confidence fraud can have severe financial and emotional consequences. Victims may lose money, their identity, and their sense of trust.
The FBI encourages the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from these predatory schemes.
FBI Cleveland Warns of Romance Scams and Confidence Fraud
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