FBI Springfield warning the public about finding love online

Posted on February 14, 2022
The FBI Springfield has a warning for those looking for love online. (Photo courtesy: Pixabay)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Amid candy, roses, and finding love, the FBI in Springfield warns the public to think twice before swiping right on someone you might not know.

According to the FBI, romance scams are rising, with Illinois residents losing over $150 million in scams last year.

“While may people find authentic rewarding relationships online, far too many fall prey to romance scams,” FBI Springfield said in a news release. “In romance scams, a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust with the illusion of a romantic or close relationship in order to steal the victim’s money.”

The FBI reminds the public to be mindful of finding love on social media – and make sure you proceed with caution if meeting someone in person.

“Romance scammers work hard perfecting the skill of playing to a victim’s emotions, which can lead not only to heartbreak for the victim but devastating financial loss,” Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz said. “While the FBI will continue its relentless pursuit of scammers, the public’s best defense is to remain aware and educate themselves on the warning signs.”

In 2021, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center indicated 24,000 people across the United States lost $1 billion in romance scams.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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