You should be aware of these schemes in case someone asks you to participate, or in case you see fraudulent activity. Indicators of potential fraud include the following:

• Scam artists often claim to be engaged in projects outside the United States, which makes it easier to avoid meeting in person. They often ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.
• Scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship and gain trust as quickly as possible. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.
• You meet someone on a dating site, simply playing an online game, or scrolling your social media feed. This person takes a quick interest in you, suggests you move to another platform to talk, and turns on the charm. They will flatter you, ingratiate themselves, and convince you that you belong together. Only you never meet in person. Eventually, they will start asking for money that may start small and become more frequent and larger over time. The requests for money turn into demands, and they are relentless. Remember, sometimes these are fake accounts like the Marine Corps Sergeant, who found that his image was used to gain people’s trust and scam them out of money.

Tips to Avoid Scams

Do’s

• Do a reverse image search of person to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere. Google Image Search tool helps to identify a person using a picture.
• Do go slowly and ask a lot of questions using video calls through your phone or computer. Be cautious of individuals that are not available to video call due to poor service or being out of country.
• Do beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks to communicate with you directly.
• Be careful about the information you share online or on social media. This information can be used against you.

Don’ts

• Do not send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. i.e., Venmo, PayPal, or other mobile payment services
• Do not share your bank account information with anyone you have only met online, as they are most likely trying to steal from you.