Romance Online? Trust Your Head, Not Your Heart
If you're looking for love online, watch out for romance scams! Scammers make fake profiles, sometimes with stolen photos, to try to get money from people they meet online. They may say they're in the military or use other excuses to ask for money. Don't send them anything!
Constable Ted Heap has tips to help you avoid getting scammed:
1. Don't send money. Never send anyone cash or pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to an online love interest. You won’t get it back.
2. Pass this info on to a friend. You may not have gotten tangled up with a romance scam, but chances are, you know someone who will — if they haven’t already.
3. Check out their photos online.
4. Look out for red flags like someone asking you for money, or providing you with inconsistent information in their profile.
5. Have a few video calls with the person to get to know them better and verify that they are who they say they are.
6. Do a background check if possible.
7. Don't provide any personal or financial information to someone you don't know.
8. Be suspicious if someone you've only just met starts professing their love for you or asking for your contact information.
9. Be wary of any requests for money, even for seemingly innocent reasons such as medical bills or plane tickets.
10. Don't be fooled by stories of hardship or requests for help.
Being aware of the dangers of romance scams and taking the necessary precautions can help protect you from getting scammed. Protect yourself and stay safe! #constabletedheap #yourconstable
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