Love hurts.
The National Consumers League is warning all lovelorns out there about "The Sweetheart Swindle," a drawn-out process in which a con artist nurtures a relationship and eventually persuades the victim to send money repeatedly over an extended period of time.
Although NCL's Fraud Center has only been tracking this type of scam since July 2007, Executive Director Sally Greenberg said it has gained enough momentum in the second half of the year to move to the top 10 scam list.
According to NCL, the average victim lost more than $3,038 last year to Sweetheart Swindles. The full extent of the fraud is unknown since many victims are reluctant to admit to being scammed.
"Scammers lurk in chat rooms and on online dating sites, attempting to earn someone's affections and trust so that they can persuade him or her to send money," Greenberg said.
Though details vary, the scammer often shares a story about a tragic experience they went through and then brings up the issue of needing money. After investing much time communicating and building the relationship with the victim, the scammer then asks for help.
"Consumers need to use caution and common sense when dealing with someone they haven't met in person. Remember to never send the person money in any form, no matter how compelling or heart-wrenching their story may be," Greenberg said. "Don't let your 'love' for your online suitor to allow you to be robbed blind."
You may be dealing with a scammer, NCL says, if: the person asks you for money, to cash a check or money order; your online sweetie says, "I love you" almost immediately; the person claims to be a U.S. citizen who is abroad, and/or claims to be well off, or a person of important status; or the person claims to be a contractor and needs your help with a business deal.