Roses are red, violets are blue,
Someone might fall for scamming\u2014 don\u2019t let it be you.<\/p>\n
As Valentine\u2019s Day rolls around, many people are looking for love \u2014 but so are scammers. Romance scams<\/strong> are on the rise, and college students and staff are not immune. These scams can leave victims not just heartbroken, but also out hundreds or even thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n Scammers usually start with a message on:<\/p>\n A dating app (like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Social media (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Or even through DMs on gaming or study platforms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n They\u2019ll build a connection fast \u2014 complimenting you, sharing personal stories, and talking about a \u201cfuture\u201d together. But there\u2019s a catch: you\u2019ll never meet them in person. Eventually, they\u2019ll ask for something.<\/p>\n They say they\u2019re deployed, overseas, or traveling<\/strong> and can\u2019t meet<\/p>\n<\/li>\n They claim to have an emergency<\/strong> (hospital bill, visa issue, stolen wallet)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n They ask for gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or Zelle payments<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n They want to move the conversation off-platform<\/strong> quickly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n They love you\u2026 after just a few messages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Take It Slow<\/strong> Verify Before You Trust<\/strong> Never Send Money or Gifts<\/strong> Be Skeptical of Secrecy<\/strong> Trust Your Instincts<\/strong> If you think you\u2019ve been targeted by a romance scam:<\/p>\n Stop contact immediately<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Don\u2019t send more money<\/strong> (even if they threaten you)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Report it<\/strong> to your bank and to the platform<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Whether you’re swiping right or just sharing memes with a new crush, make sure your heart \u2014 and your data \u2014 are protected.<\/p>\n This Valentine\u2019s Day, stay safe, stay smart, and don\u2019t let a scammer steal your heart or<\/em> your bank account.<\/p>\n FBI | Romance Scams<\/a><\/p>\n Federal Trade Commission | What to Know About Romance Scams<\/a><\/p>\n U.S. Secret Service | Stay Safe Online: Avoid Romance Scams<\/a><\/p>\n
\nHow Romance Scams Work<\/h2>\n
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Common red flags:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nHow to Protect Yourself<\/h2>\n
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Real relationships take time. Be wary of anyone who moves fast emotionally or financially.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Reverse image search their profile pics. Video chat before you get too invested.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
No matter how sad the story is \u2014 if you haven\u2019t met them in person, don\u2019t send funds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Scammers often say \u201cdon\u2019t tell anyone\u201d \u2014 that\u2019s a major red flag.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
If it feels off, it probably is. Talk to a friend, family member, or coworker before making decisions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nAlready Shared Something? You\u2019re Not Alone.<\/h2>\n
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\nReal Love Isn\u2019t a Secret or a Scam<\/h2>\n
\nWant to Learn More?<\/h2>\n