TEHACHAPI, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bear Valley Police Department is actively investigating a surge in high-dollar “romance scams” that have been targeting residents. These scams involve criminals creating fake profiles on dating or social media sites to establish relationships with unsuspecting victims.
Once trust is built, scammers fabricate emergencies or situations requiring financial assistance, asking victims for money. Common tactics include claiming they cannot meet in person due to living or traveling abroad, working on an oil rig, serving in the military, or being involved with an international organization.
Scammers often request funds for medical expenses, travel tickets, visas, or fees to resolve fabricated troubles. They may also suggest investing in cryptocurrency. Payment methods typically include wire transfers, gift cards, money transfer apps, or cryptocurrency, making it difficult for victims to recover their money.
The department advises residents to cease communication with suspected scammers immediately and consult trusted friends or family. They recommend searching online for the person’s job title alongside “scammer” and performing reverse image searches on profile pictures to identify inconsistencies.
If you suspect a romance scam:
- Stop communicating with the person immediately.
- Talk to someone you trust. Do your friends or family say they’re concerned about your new love interest?
- Search online for the type of job the person has, plus the word “scammer.” Have other people posted similar stories? For example, search for “oil rig scammer” or “US Army scammer.”
- Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. Is it associated with another name or with details that don’t match up? Those are signs of a scam.
Steps to protect yourself:
- Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
- 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.
- Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere.
- Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
- Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
- Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
- Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
“Romance scammers are skilled manipulators,” the department said. “They often appear genuine, compassionate, and trustworthy — but it’s all part of the con.”
Residents are encouraged to report potential scams to the Bear Valley Police Department by calling the non-emergency line at (661) 861-3110 or visiting the office at 25101 Bear Valley Road, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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