Never send money to an online love connection

Spring is coming and love may be in the air but beware of romance scams as you begin your online quest for Mr. or Mrs. Right. The pandemic has done a number on peoples' financial and emotional health and as maybe more people turned to the virtual world to make a connection, romance scams reached a record $304 million in losses reported to the FTC in 2020 - which is an increase of about 50% from 2019.

Romance scams may begin with fake profiles on dating apps or social media and they all seem to end in the same way when that person makes up a story about needing money.

Some points to note:

• If a family member or friend tells you about an online love connection, ask if they have met that individual in person.
• If your family member or friend (or you!) have not met the individual in person and they ask for money - it is a scam - even if that individual sends you money or gifts first.
• Only scammers tell people to send money by gift cards, money transfer, or cryptocurrency.

You can report romance scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Know Who's Getting Your Money!

Zelle (and other payment apps like it) are super-convenient ways to get cash quickly to where it needs to go - but always know who is on the receiving end. Scammers are on to this and people are losing money.

Scammers Might:

• Pretend they're having an emergency
• Say they're with the App Company or the Bank
• Trick you into saying you have given them money in the past

You can ABSOLUTELY USE mobile payment apps, just use caution - here are some tips:

• Never send money to someone you don't recognize
• If you get a cash request from someone you do recognize, reach out to them with a known phone number or email address to confirm they are really asking.
• When using a mobile payment app for the first time, it may ask to access your contacts to enable easier payments - you can deny access or delete the app if you don't like that idea.
• If you're suspicious, just call the Bank. 508-627-4266

You can report scams like this to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Scammers Setting Up Fake Charities

War time is no deterrent for scammers to do their thing. Preying on dire circumstances and kind people who just want to help. Your generosity and goodwill need to get to the right place and into the right hands. Here are some tips:

• Research the intended organization online along with search terms such as "review," "scam," or "complaint"
• Check if other people have had good or bad experiences with the charitable organization
• Review if charity watchdog groups have any red flags on the organization
• Don't make a fast decision
• Try to inquire how your money will be spent
• Know who is making the request - just because your friend shared it on social media doesn't necessarily make it valid
• Find out about any fees and how quickly your money can get to the intended destination

If one organization does not give you the answers you need, just look for a different one. Many people need help now and your donations will be greatly appreciated. As always, just use caution. Knowledge is the best defense.

You can report scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Avoid unauthorized testing kits

Getting a COVID test is no small task these days with long lines at testing centers, long waits for test results, and limited supplies of at-home test kits. Fake at-home testing kits are available for purchase online amid scammers who smell an opportunity.

Purchasing a fake test not only puts you and others around you at risk by possibly having an inaccurate test result, but of course they are also a waste of money.

Tips for buying an at-home test kit online:

• The test should authorized by the FDA. Check the FDA's lists of antigen diagnostic tests and molecular diagnostic tests before you buy to find the tests authorized for home use.
• Review the seller/website/company before your purchase. Search online for the website, company, or seller's name together with search words like "scam," "complaint," or "review."
• Pay by credit card. You can dispute the charge if there is a problem.

Report a suspected scam seller or bogus test at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Cryptocurrency is now a common platform for scammers, but it seems to have an even greater impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

Be on the lookout for these crypto-related scams:

• Most investment scams begin with a text, email or social media message and promise to make lots of money quickly with no risk if you buy or send crypto to the person contacting you - This is always a scam.
• Most impersonator scams begin with gaining your trust from a company (whose name you'll recognize, like Amazon, for example), the government, or a well-known job website about a "problem" with your account and then ask for a crypto payment - This is always a scam.

To protect yourself:

• No legitimate company or the government will ask you for cryptocurrency to pay for something in advance.
• No legitimate investment will guarantee "easy money" with no risk by "helping" you invest in the crypto markets.
• Be wary of mixing online dating and investment advice - This is generally not a great combo.

You can report any crypto scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to learn more on cryptocurrency and scams, visit ftc.gov/cryptocurrency

Romance, Investment & Online Shopping

According to the FTC, almost 100,000 people in 2021 said they were a victim of a scam they believe originated on social media, equaling about $770 million.

How do scammers use social media to do their dirty work (especially in areas of romance, investment, and online shopping)?

Many romance scams reportedly began on Facebook or Instagram, and often people reported never receiving something they bought that was advertised on social media. The 18 to 39 age group is most at risk.

Here's how to protect yourself:

• Limit who can see your posts and other personal info on social media.
• Check your privacy settings on social media to limit risk.
• "Opt-out" of targeted advertising if your particular social media outlet allows.
• Any messages from a "friend" or "dating match" asking for money is clearly fraud.
• Research a company or online store before you buy anything.
• Required payment by cryptocurrency, gift card, or wire transfer is always a scam.

Report social media scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Scammers are not shy and no type of business is safe from them, but the FTC reports that "About 1 in 3 people who report a business impersonator say the scammer pretended to be from Amazon. Of 273,000 people who reported a business impersonator from July 2020 - June 2021, about 96,000 said the scammer claimed to be from Amazon (and about 16,000 said the scammer claimed to be from Apple)." Losses totaled more than $27 million with a median individual loss of $1,000 - and unfortunately data is showing that older adults are more at risk (being four times more likely to fall prey to an Amazon scam).

How do scammers get your attention?

• Messages to call about suspicious activity or unauthorized purchases on your Amazon account - when you call, a fake Amazon representative fools you into giving them remote access to your computer to give you a refund.
• Telling people to buy gift cards and asking to send pictures of the numbers on the back. These numbers allow stealing the money on the card.
• Messages that say you've won a raffle for a free product from Amazon. When you access the link to claim your prize (by entering credit card info for shipping) - you're getting charges you never agreed to.

These are scams:

• Never call phone numbers given in unexpected calls, texts, emails, or messages on social media. Do not click any links.
• Do not trust the phone numbers or links that come up in search results.
• Never give anyone remote access to your devices.
• Never pay by gift card.
• Never send pictures of gift cards.

Visit ftc.gov/scams for more info and you can report a scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

People are desperately wanting the COVID-19 vaccine and scammers know it - be aware of their current tactics!

These are all scams:

• You cannot pay to put your name on a vaccine list.
• You cannot pay to get early access to a vaccine.
• No one will call, text, or email you about the vaccine and ask for your credit card, social security, or bank account info.

And keep in mind:

Scammers are taking advantage of the growing confusion around COVID-19 vaccinations and where and how to get them. Here's what to do to protect yourself:

• Contact your local or state health departments for the latest info.
• Ignore sales ads for the vaccine - it is not for sale anywhere and is only available at federal and state approved locations.
• Watch for unusual texts - if you get one, check with your health care provider who supposedly sent it to see if it is legitimate. Same goes for emails or voice mails/calls.

If you are aware of a COVID-19 vaccine scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.