Squatters in Florida & Romance Scams

Romance Scams Rising in Florida

Romance scams are unfortunately prevalent in Florida, as they are elsewhere. These scams prey on a person’s desire for companionship and occur when imposters pose as individuals seeking love on dating sites, social media, or even in person. Their goal is to gain trust and ultimately swindle unsuspecting victims. More than 1,000 Floridians fell victim to so-called romance scams in 2022, losing $53 million, the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported. Imagine the numbers in 2023 and 2024.

Here are some key points about romance scams in Florida:

1. Sweetheart Scam:
   • Imposters forge emotional connections with their targets by pretending to have common interests, similar social circles, or compatible values.
   • Once trust is established, scammers may:
     • Claim they need money urgently for emergencies, family tragedies that have caused homelessness, business opportunities, or travel to meet in person.
     • Temporary housing.
     • Convince victims to open new bank accounts and wire stolen funds, involving them in bank fraud.
   • Red flags include:
     • Pushing to move communication off the dating site or app quickly.
     • Always in-between jobs.
     • Claiming to be overseas on business or military deployment.
     • Providing details similar to information the victim has shared.
     • Offering excessive attention and compliments.
     • Asking for money wire transfers or gift cards.
     • Proposing joint bank accounts to send funds.

1. Reporting Scams:
   • If you suspect someone is a scammer:
     • Report their account on the dating or social media site.
     • If you sent money to the scammer, contact your bank, gift card company, or wire service immediately to stop the transfer.
     • Consider filing a police report if funds cannot be recovered.
   • File a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

Recognizing a romance scam is crucial to protect yourself from heartbreak and financial loss. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for: 

1. Professing Love Too Quickly: 

• Scammers often rush into declarations of love, trying to build an emotional connection rapidly. Be cautious if someone seems overly affectionate early on. 

2. Isolation from Friends and Family: 

• Scammers aim to isolate victims from their support network. They might discourage you from sharing details with relatives or friends, claiming disapproval or secrecy. 

3. Requests for Money: 

• Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person. Scammers invent emergencies, medical bills, or travel expenses to manipulate victims into wiring funds.

Check with Trusted Friends and Family

• Don’t be afraid to. discuss your new love interest with family and friends. Those who truly love and care for you won’t steer you wrong and will embrace you as you get clarity. Their concerns can provide valuable insights.  A son tried to tell his father he was being scammed, but his father had lost his wife in a fire and he was alone. The son solicited the help of a company that deals with scams, they uncovered the father had sent her $300K and the scammer lived in Arizona with her husband and children. It was a hard pill to swallow for him but he soon gave way to the truth and cut ties.

Remember to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from romance scams. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and verify before taking any action.