Protect Yourself from Romance Scams This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love and connection—but not everyone online has the best intentions. Romance scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using fake profiles to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals.

At Front Royal Federal Credit Union, we want to help you protect your heart and your wallet this season.

What is a Romance Scam?

Romance scams often start on dating apps, social media, or other online platforms where fraudsters pose as potential romantic partners. They gain trust over time, then make emotional pleas for financial help—often claiming an emergency or promising to visit if you send money. 

How to Spot a Romance Scam:

  • Too Good to Be True: Their photos might look like they belong in a magazine or seem overly polished. These are often stock or stolen images.
  • Too Much, Too Soon: They express strong feelings quickly, sometimes within days of chatting.
  • Rush to Move Communication: They’ll push to leave the dating app or website for email, text, or private messaging platforms quickly.
  • Avoiding In-Person Meetings: They always have excuses for not meeting in real life or over video calls.
  • Frequent Emergencies: They often invent sudden crises and ask for financial help for emergencies, medical bills, or travel expenses.
  • Evasive Answers: They’re vague about their personal life and avoid detailed or follow-up questions.
  • Poor Grammar or Spelling: While not always the case, many scammers have tell-tale errors in their messages.

Tips to Keep Yourself Safe:

  • Never Share Financial Details: Avoid sharing your banking or credit card information with anyone online, no matter the circumstances.
  • Stay Skeptical: If someone you’ve never met asks for money, it’s a major red flag.
  • Do Your Research: Use reverse image searches and online checks to verify someone’s identity and claims.
  • Stick to Reputable Dating Platforms: Trusted dating sites have systems in place to detect and remove suspicious profiles. See if your dating site requires ID verification.
  • Report Suspicious Behavior: Notify the platform’s administrators and, if needed, local authorities about potential scams.

Remember, genuine relationships are built on mutual trust and respect. Anyone who truly cares for you will understand your caution and will never pressure you to share personal or financial information.

We’re Here to Help

Your safety is our priority. If you believe you’ve been targeted by a romance scam or have concerns about your financial accounts, don’t hesitate to contact Front Royal Federal Credit Union for guidance and support.

Love should feel safe and secure—just like your money. Stay vigilant, and let’s make sure your Valentine’s Day is full of authentic connections and peace of mind.

Posted by Amanda Thomas in Fraud and Scams.