While apps and other digital tools keep us connected, scammers often use them to target innocent people for financial gain. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) reminds everyone to be vigilant online and follow these tips to stay clear of common romance scams.
Romance Scams
Signs:
- Someone you just met online professes love too quickly.
- They refuse to meet in person or over video calls.
- They ask for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- They claim to have an emergency and need financial help.
How to Stay Safe:
- Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Be cautious if someone avoids meeting you face-to-face.
- Research their profile. Scammers often use fake pictures and names.
Fake Online Gift and Flower Scams
Tactics:
- “Too good to be true” deals on flowers, chocolates or gifts.
- Fake websites that steal your credit card information.
- Scammers impersonating delivery services requesting personal details.
How to Stay Safe:
- Only purchase from well-known, reputable retailers.
- Check website URLs for misspellings or extra characters (eg. “amaz0n.com”)
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
Phishing Emails and Texts
Tactics:
- Fake Valentine’s Day e-cards that contain malware.
- “Secret admirer” messages with links to fake login pages.
- Emails or texts pretending to be from dating apps, claiming your account needs verification.
How to Stay Safe:
- Never click on suspicious links or open unknown attachments.
- Verify the sender’s email address before responding.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
Fake Dating Apps and Profiles
Signs:
- Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps to lure victims.
- They move conversations off the app quickly (to WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.)
- They ask for personal information, compromising photos or money.
How to Stay Safe:
- Stick to well-known dating apps.
- Avoid sharing personal details too soon.
- Report suspicious accounts to the app’s support team.
Event and Ticket Scams
Signs:
- Fake Valentine’s Day event tickets sold online.
- Social media ads leading to fraudulent ticket sites.
- Scammers requesting payment through payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, etc.) with no refund options.
How to Stay Safe:
- Purchase tickets from official sources only.
- Avoid deals that require wire transfers or prepaid cards.
- Verify the event’s legitimacy before making a purchase.
Always trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Report scams to CUPD, your local law enforcement agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).