Dating scams aren’t limited to dating sites and apps. Many occur on popular social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram and on game platforms, like Words with Friends. The Federal Trade Commission reported a four fold increase in romance scams between 2019 and 2020. The hardest-hit victims? People age 70 and over, with a median loss of $9,475.

The typical romance scam starts online with light conversation and then a request to move off the platform to a private channel like email or a text app. Time goes by and the scammer eventually convinces the target the relationship is real and they will be together one day.

Then comes the emergency request for money - by wire transfer or gift cards typically, but it’s not just a one time request. The requests may turn into demands and when the target comes out from under the scammer’s ether and realizes he wasn’t ever talking to his forever love, his money is gone and his heart is broken.

When connecting online, look out for these red flags: an online profile that’s almost too good to be true, a request to leave the platform for email or text messaging, something that prevents meeting in person and an urgent request for money.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.