East Tennessee woman loses over $83,000 to romance scam.
One of the costliest scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission is the romance scam.
Romance scams are on the rise, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm. The FTC recently reported that romance scams have reached a record high of $304 million in losses for 2020, a 50% increase from the previous year.
This is an alarming statistic, and it shows just how prevalent these scams have become. Not only do scammers target vulnerable individuals looking for love, but they also use sophisticated tactics to gain their victims’ trust. They often pretend to be someone they’re not, and then use that false identity to manipulate their victims into sending them money.
Unfortunately, this kind of scam is becoming more common, and it’s not just limited to online relationships. People are also being targeted through social media, text messages, and even in-person meetings.
The FTC is urging people to be vigilant when it comes to online relationships. It is important to be aware that scams exist, and to take precautions to protect yourself. If you’re considering getting involved with someone you’ve met online, it’s important to do your research and verify their identity.
It’s also important to remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often promise something that is too good to be true, and it’s important to be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true.
The FTC is working to raise awareness about romance scams and to help victims get the help they need. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a romance scam, you can file a complaint with the FTC.
It’s important to be aware of the risks of romance scams, and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. The FTC is doing its part to raise awareness and to help victims, but it is ultimately up to us to protect ourselves and to be vigilant when it comes to online relationships.