Cybercrime expert warns: Beware of dating scams
By Chrystal Blair
Michigan News Connection
It is Valentine’s Day and romance is in the air, but so is deception. Cybercrime experts warn online scammers are lurking, ready to exploit hopeful hearts.
In 2023, Michigan reported more than 430 victims of romance scams, with losses totaling $14 million. Research shows more than half of Americans under 30 have used dating apps, with 20% finding committed relationships online.
Tom Holt, professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and director of the Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training, said fraudsters are often overseas and will usually start by establishing an emotional connection with their intended victim through chats.
“Once that’s firmly established, they will usually say that they want to come to see you and are planning a visit, and then suddenly there’s some catastrophic event that happens,” Holt explained. “It’s at that point that they begin asking for financial assistance.”
Holt recommended someone online rushing you into an intimate relationship too quickly or asking for money are major red flags. Falling for the wrong person online is costing Americans a lot, with $1.3 billion in losses reported in 2023 alone.
While romance fraud often targets people age 50 and older, Holt pointed out anyone can fall victim, and since many of the con artists operate overseas, holding them accountable can be challenging.
“If you were to go to your local police, they might not be able to help you just by virtue of the fact that it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to make an arrest, or provide subpoenas and get sufficient information to pursue the case,” Holt acknowledged.
Holt added if you believe you’ve been a fraud victim, police should still be notified. However, you can also contact the Federal Trade Commission or Internet Crime Complaint Center. You not alone. Global numbers suggest romance scams are a multibillion-dollar industry.
