BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bear Valley Police Department said it is investigating multiple so-called “romance scams” targeting residents in the area.
In a release, officials did not say how much money may have been lost, but described the investigations of the scams as “high-dollar.”
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The scams involve communication between a victim and a scammer using a fake profile on a dating or social media site. The scammer then attempts to build a relationship with the victim, eventually asking for money using different untrue scenarios and situations where they need financial help.
Signs of the scam to look for
Police said there are several things people can look for to avoid being a victim of one of the “romance scams.”
- Scammers say they can’t meet in person: Scammers will provide all sorts of reasons they can’t see someone in person they are trying to scam, officials say. The scammer might be working out of the country or in the military for example.
- Scammers will ask for money: After gaining a victim’s trust, they’ll ask the victim to pay for large expenses like medical, travel or fees to help them get out of some kind of made up problem. A scammer may also bring up investing in cryptocurrency, police said.
- Scammers will tell you how to pay, send them money: Scammers will want money quickly and in a way that is difficult to get back — wiring money through Western Union or MoneyGram, using gift cards and giving them the PIN codes, sending money through cash transfer apps or transferring cryptocurrency.
What to do if you suspect you’re getting scammed
- Stop communicating with the person
- Talk to someone you trust. Family or friends may say they’re concerned about your love interest.
- Search online for stories of previous victims. Others may have posted that they were scammed. Search for the type of job the scammer has plus “scammer” — “oil rig scammer” or “US Army scammer.”
- Do a reverse image search of a profile picture. The scammer’s profile photo may be associated with another account or those details may not add up.
Ways to protect yourself
First, never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or over the phone.
Generally, you should be careful about posting publicly online. Scammers use details shared on social and dating sites to try and target potential victims, police said.
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Be wary if a person promises to meet but frequently cancels a meeting with an excuse for why they can’t. If you haven’t met the person in a few months, that should be good enough reason to raise suspicion…