Attorney General Chris Carr is sharing important tips to help Georgians avoid romance scams this Valentine’s Day.
“Unfortunately, con artists will prey on people’s most vulnerable emotions by taking advantage of those who turn to online platforms in an attempt to foster new connections,” said Carr. “On Valentine’s Day and all year-round, you should be cautious with what you share online and never send money or sensitive data to someone you have not met in person. Knowledge is key, and our Consumer Protection Division is offering important tips to help all Georgians protect against romance scams and keep their hard-earned dollars safe.”
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 79,700 reports of romance scams, with total losses in excess of $547 million and a median loss per victim of $2,400. This represents an 80 percent increase when compared to reports received in 2020.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these types of scams, with those aged 70 and older reporting an even higher median loss of over $7,600 in 2021. Last year, the Attorney General’s Public Integrity and White Collar Crime Unit secured the conviction of a Gwinnett County man for his involvement in online romance scams targeting senior citizens. Specifically, Borin Khoun stole more than $230,000 from two older adults in California and Arizona. Khoun pleaded guilty to multiple counts of Theft by Taking in July 2022.
In a typical romance scam, fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites or, as is the case for over a third of victims, the scam begins on Facebook or Instagram. The scammer’s photo and dating profile seem almost too good to be true. The fraudsters quickly profess their love for you, despite never having met you, often claiming to be in the military or working abroad to explain why they are unable to meet in person. Early on, they may encourage you to start communicating with them via email or messenger, rather than using the online…
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