Protect Your Heart and Wallet: Romance Scams

Romance scams are becoming one of the most popular ways for scammers to trick their victims. In most cases, scammers will steal a person’s identity by creating a fake social media profile on a dating site and other social media platforms to meet and coerce innocent people to give them money. Scammers primarily target individuals over the age of 55, and it may not always be easy to spot the warning signs. That’s why Community Bank is here to help educate our members on what to look for, so you don’t fall victim to a romance scam. 

In many cases, scammers will profess their love quickly to their victims in order to convince them that they deeply care for them and wouldn’t want to hurt them. They prey on your vulnerability and will convince you that they are deeply in love with you to in turn take advantage of your kindness and your bank account.  

After they start to feel they have you convinced of their undying love for you, they will begin to start asking for money. Some ways they may start asking you to send money may be by wire transfer, gift or cash reload card, or a cash app. This can be for various reasons such as medical emergencies, bills, or even travel expenses to come and meet you in person as many scammers claim to live in the United States but may be overseas for business or military service. And once you give them money once, they will continue until you have little to nothing left. 

So, what can you do to stay protected?  

First, slow down! If you feel you may be falling victim to a scam, visit your local Community Bank branch or talk to someone you trust. If a scammer starts to pressure or rush you to send money, don’t!  

Next, scammers will ask for payment in forms you will never be able to receive back. One of the most common ways they may ask for money to be sent is by wire transfer. They know that by asking for you to send it this way you will not be able to retrieve it. 

Lastly, if you feel you’re being scammed, contact Community Bank right away! We’re here to help you and we’ll take immediate action to help keep your money safe.  

If you or someone you know may be falling victim to a romance scam, contact Community Bank for assistance.