New York AG Warns of Increase in Online Dating Scams
Contributed by: kellyseal on Monday, July 01 2024 @ 10:33 am
Last modified on Monday, July 01 2024 @ 10:50 am
Online scams are on the rise across New York state, according to its Attorney General Leticia James.
Local news WGRZ reported that scammers are using dating apps, social media, and unsolicited text messages to lure victims into making fraudulent purchases or investments. Referred to as “pig butchering” – the idea is for the scammer to befriend and form trust with the victim before taking their money.
"New Yorkers hoping to find romance and personal connections online are instead being taken advantage of and victimized by heartless scammers,” said Attorney General James in a release. “Sophisticated fraudsters are increasingly using dating apps and social media to trick users into bogus investment schemes.”
Online scams have been increasing in the U.S. for the past few years as more people are on dating apps and social media platforms. Traditionally, victims have been older and scammers preyed on their vulnerability and lack of sophistication with dating platforms, but now young people are becoming victims through false cryptocurrency and other investment schemes.
In fact, the FTC reported that in 2023 alone, there were over 64,000 reported fraud cases, resulting in losses exceeding $1.1 billion. (This doesn’t include all the people who don’t report, out of fear or embarrassment.)
The New York AG’s office offered some tips to avoid being scammed, reported WGRZ[*1] , the most obvious being to refuse to send any online match money because these types of transactions are irreversible. In addition, research the person you are communicating with – many scammers use fake identities and pictures which can be found online.
Other tips include avoiding moving your conversations to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp – keep them on the dating app if you can. Also, be weary of someone who changes their number more than once, or promises to meet up and yet cancels at the last minute (so that you never actually see them face-to-face). And if your match ever pressures you to borrow money, take funds out of your savings, or feel pressured to act right away, be weary of their intentions.
AG James also offered a number that people can call if they think they have been scammed: 1-800-771-7755. You can always report your case to the FTC or FBI as well.
“The personal and sometimes romantic nature of these scams can often leave their victims feeling ashamed and isolated,” said AG James. “New Yorkers who fall victim to these frauds should know they are not alone. I encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of an online romance scam to contact my office.”