07-02-2025
Experts warn about romance scams ahead of Valentines Day
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As Valentines Day approaches, a warning about looking for love in all the worng places. Scammers could turn to dating websites and apps to target vulnerable individuals and steal their money.
Scammers are getting more creative in how they steal money. They are using AI chatbots to talk to more people and identify potential victims.
With just one click or swipe you could find yourself talking to someone behind a fake profile. This was true for one Sprinfield resident's friend who met somone online and began texting them come to find out they were not who they said they were.
'They were sending them models, pictures online. Never wanting to Facetime and if they did facetime all they did was show their eyes,' said Jazica Wyche of Springfield.
AI programs can simulate voices, generate images, or create fake video footage, making dating profiles seem realistic even when they aren't. Experts say these fake dating profiles are how scammers gain someone's trust.
'They will figure out exactly what makes you happy, what makes you sad, what you need. And they will use that,' said Head of Berkshire Bank's Security and Fraud Investigations Unit, Tina Martin.
Martin adds, once they've got you hooked, they'll move away from communicating on the dating site and start messaging with you elsewhere, so there's no trace of suspicious behavior. They then will start having you send money for an emergency they've had, travel expenses, or invest your money to make you more money. They may even pretend to date someone for weeks or months to pull the scam off.
'They are going to want you to either cash out them the money or Venmo them or one of the money moving platforms, or they're going to want you to wire the money or they want you to take the cash out or the money out of the bank and take it to Bitcoin cash machines, all of those,' said Martin.
This will make it difficult for banks to trace the money back. Experts say to look out for potential red flags such as not being able to meet in-person or they start to show affection or love very quickly.
If someone does start asking for money, experts say its best to immediately disconnect. And nver provide your social or confidential information.
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