With the approach of Valentine’s Day, the PA Department of Banking and Securities is warning residents about romance scams.
This kind of online financial fraud deals with situations where a victim’s hope of emotional connection results in the target giving money to someone he or she has never met in person.
Nearly 400 Pennsylvanians lost an estimated $6 million to romance scams in 2015. The Banking and Securities office recommends that people avoid sharing too many personal details online with people they do not know and never send money or provide financial information to a new online acquaintance.
Victims of romance scams can file a complaint with the FBI or report the situation to the Office of the PA Attorney General by calling 1-800-441-2555.
Written by: Ryan Saeler