Don’t be seduced by romance scams

#Middlebury #Seniors

Romance can be lovely … except when it isn’t. Disaster can be part of the package if the new “perfect match” is a scammer. There are far too many ways for thieves to con seniors.

Online Dating Sites – You can’t really know who’s on the other end of the ads you view, but there are some warning signs that a potential date might not be honest. He or she might profess love all too quickly, or send photos that don’t look real. You might be encouraged to delete your profile and instead exchange direct email. Maybe you’ll be told you can’t meet yet because the other person is out of the country, and there are excuses about why you can’t talk on the phone. Eventually there will be an “emergency,” and you’ll be asked to help by sending money … and then more money.

Drug Mules – Many seniors have been conned into sneaking drugs into other countries. A new love will ask a senior to travel overseas, even making the arrangements. Unfortunately, those arrangements include taking along an extra piece of luggage. It could contain anything, but it’s often drugs. If the senior gets caught, claiming innocence doesn’t help when stuck in a foreign jail.

Financial Assets – Co-mingling of assets or accounts is another red flag. Don’t do it, especially if intend to leave money to your heirs. The more assets you have, the more you’re at risk of having your money stolen. Be careful how much financial information you give out about yourself.

Setting up a senior to be scammed doesn’t have to happen overnight. Sometimes the scheme can play out for months while trust is built and information disclosed.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, call the anti-fraud hotline at 1-855-303-9470.

© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

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