WAUSAU, Wis. (WAOW)– As Cupid’s arrow returns for Valentine’s Day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reminding people to beware of online scams.
Online dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and OkCupid saw an exponential increase in activity during the coronavirus pandemic. The FBI is warning people to be careful before trusting a stranger online.
“When it comes to matters of the heart people really put their guards down,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent, Jimmy Paul.
When interacting with someone you met online Paul says to keep your personal banking information private. Many of these scammers will use their victims to purchase gift cards or send them money.
“Before you know it you’re basically sending them your life savings or your retirement account and once they get the money they typically disappear,” Said Paul.
Some signs to look out for include; never meeting in person and the relationship moving forward very fast.
“You’ve been dating for months and they still don’t want to meet in person, that’s a huge sign,” Paul said.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a romance scam contact IC3.gov
