Cease ye V-day trickeries lest they shatter thy heart and thy coffers, matey!
2024-02-10
Avast ye mateys! When venturing into th' treacherous waters o' online courtship, be cautious on Valentine's Day lest ye be plundered by a deceitful scallywag o' a Casanova!
According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 70,000 people have reported being victims of romantic scams, with reported losses of up to $1.3 billion. It is possible that the person Patricia was chatting with is using a VPN, but it wouldn't keep his information from being online. However, there are data removal services that can limit his online information, suggesting the possibility that he may be a scammer.
As Valentine's Day approaches, there are specific scams to be aware of. Scammers send out automated Valentine's Day cards that may install malicious software or hack your device. Be cautious when looking for love online, as new domains registered with romantic words can be potentially dangerous. Practice good judgment, avoid sending compromising photos or videos, and be skeptical of urgent requests for money or personal information.
To protect yourself, go slow, trust your instincts, and verify the source of any communication. Don't send money or personal information to unknown individuals, and install antivirus software on all your devices. If you suspect a romantic scam, log out of all your accounts, clear your browser history, change passwords, and report the scam to the platform, local police, and the FTC. Monitor your credit reports and consider using identity theft protection software.
Remember, new scams are constantly emerging, so it's essential to trust your instincts and use common sense when it comes to online dating and cyber safety.