The Boston Police Department is alerting the public about an increase in online romance scams. These scams are targeting people of all ages through dating apps and social media platforms. Victims can be anyone, regardless of gender or background.
How Romance Scams Work
Scammers create fake profiles using stolen photos or AI-generated images. After connecting with someone, they quickly ask to move the conversation to private messaging apps like WhatsApp, Google Chat, or Telegram. They often build an emotional relationship with the victim, sometimes discussing marriage or planning trips. Eventually, they claim an emergency has come up and ask for money to cover things like medical bills, travel costs, or legal fees.
One common scam involves a person pretending to be a high-ranking military official who needs financial help getting items through customs or releasing a package that was supposedly shipped to the victim.
Fake Crypto Investments Disguised as Love
Since 2022, romance scams involving cryptocurrency have sharply increased. In these cases, scammers claim to have made large profits by investing in crypto and encourage victims to do the same. Victims are directed to fraudulent websites where they can invest money, but when they try to withdraw it, they are unable to. The scammer may disappear or claim a large fee is needed to access the funds.
Sextortion: A Growing Threat
Scammers are also targeting victims through sextortion. They convince someone to share explicit photos and then threaten to release those images unless money is paid. In some cases, scammers claim they already have explicit material and use that threat to extort money. These scams are especially common among teens and young adults, who may feel too scared or embarrassed to tell someone.
Signs You’re Dealing with a Romance Scam
- The person asks to communicate outside the dating app right away.
- They frequently cancel plans to meet in person.
- They ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- They claim to be in the military or working overseas.
- A reverse image search shows their profile photo is used elsewhere under different names.
- They try to distance you from friends or family.
- They ask you to lie about why you’re sending money.
- They request explicit photos or financial details.
Important: Never send money or personal information to someone you have not met in person.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Anyone can become a victim of a romance scam. If you’ve sent money, there are steps you can take:
- File a report with your local Boston Police station. Find your local station here
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
