Online romance scams are becoming more common, with tens of thousands of internet users falling victim each year. Despite their convincing appearance, these scams are intended to rob people of their money and personal information. Here are some signs to watch out for when you’re communicating with someone online. Avoid sending money to a stranger, and always run a Google search on the person’s contact information. Using a reverse image search to check on their profile picture will help you avoid falling for these scammers.

Be wary of someone’s age. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns that older adults are more likely to fall victim to online romance scams. These scams often target older people who are looking for romantic partners, but who may be financially vulnerable. While these victims rarely receive their money back, the damage they suffer is significant. The losses of older victims are much greater than those of younger people. However, if you’re still on the fence, you can take these precautions.

Be vigilant and be careful. Look for a photo of the person you’re communicating with. Some scammers use photos to lure victims into their scams. Also, be suspicious of isolation and sexy behavior. Many romance scams also take place on dating websites. Regardless of where you meet your potential partner, be careful about the profile picture. You can always report these sites to the FTC, but remember that the sooner you report a scammer, the better.

The age group of victims in romance scams is the most rapidly growing. It has more than doubled in the last five years, and has increased dramatically. The number of victims will reach a record high of $547 million in 2021. The amount of money lost by people scammed this way will be six times greater than in 2017 and nearly 80% higher than in 2020. So, it is important to protect yourself from being a victim of online romance scams.

While the most common age group of victims of romance scams are those aged 18 to 29, older users face the most financial losses. These scammers usually target elderly individuals because they are lonely. The best way to avoid falling victim to online romance scams is to remain vigilant. It is a good idea to check out profiles on several dating sites before sending money. If you can’t pay a date, don’t be fooled.

If you fall victim to an online romance scam, you could face criminal charges in federal court. The fraudsters can even cross international borders. Those convicted of online romance scams may face up to 20 years in prison. If you’ve been a victim of an online romance scam, you may want to avoid these scams altogether. They can make you feel very uncomfortable, and it’s not worth your time. So, it is crucial to follow these tips and protect yourself.