Press release from Operation Senior Shield
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In romance scams, fraudsters create fake online relationships through dating sites, social media, or messaging apps. They build trust and emotional attachment over time, then invent emergencies or investment opportunities to request money. The scammer often claims personal hardships or urgent needs to manipulate the victim. Their goal is to exploit emotional vulnerability for financial gain.
Red Flags: • Quick declarations of love or intense emotional attachment.• Requests for money, gifts, or help with emergencies.• Avoidance of in-person meetings or video calls without a reasonable explanation…