Romance scammers bilk Ohioans out of millions

Millions of relationships begin online, and the Internet is responsible for introducing many happy couples who will spend a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend together.

But online courtship is not always what it seems.

More than 25,000 consumers filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission about romance scams last year, including about 400 in Ohio, according to data obtained by this newspaper.

The scams can be very convincing, and sweet-talking online imposters bilked consumers out of more than $200 million in 2019, a40% increase over the previous year, the FTC said.

“Unfortunately, an online love interest who asks for money is almost certainly a scam artist,” the FTC said.

Many Ohioans use dating apps or websites to meet people. Many others strike up conversations with strangers online through social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

There may be no harm in talking or even flirting online, but online profiles can be deceptive. Scammers create fake accounts using stolen photos and made-up information. They trick people into falling for their fake profiles and then build a relationship, usually through texts or electronic messages.

Eventually, they invent heartbreaking stories about hardship and will ask for money.

Reports of romance scams have nearly tripled since 2015, and the amount of money lost to these kinds of scams has increased sixfold since then, the FTC said.

Romance scams managed to con Ohioans out of nearly $4.7 million last year, the FTC said, and the median loss to victims was more than $1,000.

The FTC says there could be far more victims of online dating scams than what is reported.

The FTC says online love interests who ask for money are scammers.

Scammers often profess their love quickly. They also often claim to be U.S. citizens but are overseas for business or military service.

The con artists often claim to need money for emergencies like medical bills or to fund a trip to come visit. They might ask for money for a sick aunt or to repair a vehicle.

The FTC says online daters should never feel rushed into anything. People should walk away from any online love interest who asks for money, no matter how compelling.

Scams should be reported to the online dating site, the FTC and the FBI.

Contact this reporter at 937-225-0749 or email Cornelius.Frolik@cmg.com.