Tips on avoiding romance scams | #datingscams | #lovescams

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Catch Cupid’s arrow, not a scam this Valentine’s Day!

The IRS is warning the public that crooks, too, are looking for that special somebody this week.

“Valentine’s Day provides a timely reminder for the public to not fall prey to criminals using love to scam their way into their victims’ hearts for monetary gain” said Todd Martin, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “To avoid becoming a victim, people need to be aware of the signs that they are being manipulated.”

The Denver office says to heed these following warning signs:

– 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.

And follow these tips to avoid falling victim:

– 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.

“Many of these scammers do not act alone and in many cases are part of a criminal enterprise dealing in other illicit activities such as human trafficking, gambling and loansharking,” Martin said.

If you think you are a victim of a romance scam, contact the Denver Field Office here: denverfieldoffice@ci.irs.gov

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