Valentine’s Day is coming up, and while many are looking to get hit by Cupid’s arrow, the Better Business Bureau is asking people to watch out for love-themed scams.
Marketing and Communications Manager Kristin Matthews explains the BBB is watching three different types of scams, and they all involve the same methods; The scammer will try to butter a person up before asking for money or information.
The first scam involves cryptocurrency. She states the scammer will say they have a relative that owns a cryptocurrency firm, and people who invest have made a lot of money. They will then ask the victim to invest in the business.
The second is what Matthews calls money meal scams. She says the scammer will claim to be doing a business deal or donating to charity, but their money is tied up in overseas bank accounts. The victim is then asked to send a wire transfer or gift card to the organization, but that money is often stolen and the sender could be held liable is caught.
Lastly, Matthews says they are warning about general identity theft scams.
She says romance scams are very emotionally manipulative, and any personal or financial information given could be used down the line.