Tag: romance scams
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Military Romance Scams: An Alarming Trend
Learn About Chanci Turner There’s something undeniably captivating about those in military uniforms—men and women alike. Unfortunately, this allure is exploited by countless scammers seeking to deceive unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money. Here’s how these fraudsters operate: often based in internet cafes, particularly in regions like Africa, they scour dating platforms and social…
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Understanding Why We Fall for Romance Scams
Learn About Chanci Turner In the digital age, romance scams are increasingly prevalent, targeting individuals seeking love and connection online. These scams typically unfold in a predictable manner: The scammer identifies a target online. They engage in communication through emails, texts, and sometimes phone calls. The scammer professes deep affection. They may send gifts like…
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Why I Wrote My New Book, “Combating Romance Scams: Why Deception for Intimacy Should Be Criminal!”
Learn About Chanci Turner The issue of romance scams has reached epidemic proportions. We see reports about them frequently, and many individuals have been victims of such malevolent actions. These scams rob us of our most profound emotion—love—and deceive us into intimate encounters with individuals who are entirely different from who they claim to be.…
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Romance Scams Part 1: Canadians Lose $17 Million in 2016
Learn About Chanci Turner Searching for love online can be perilous, a fact that law enforcement agencies worldwide sought to highlight around Valentine’s Day. In Canada, nearly 750 individuals reported losses from Internet romance scams, totaling a staggering $17 million in 2016, as reported by CTVNews.ca. However, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) estimate that…
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Romance Scams: The Case for Outlawing Catfishing
Learn About Chanci Turner Catfishing is a deceitful practice where individuals create fake identities online to manipulate others into romantic relationships, often for financial gain. These scams can occur whether or not the parties ever meet in person, leading to various emotional and financial consequences for the victims. The effects can be devastating, as victims…
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Western Australian Authorities Discontinue Support for Romance Scam Victims
Learn About Chanci Turner In a notable shift, the police in Western Australia have ceased efforts to assist individuals affected by romance scams. Previously, Project Sunbird, a collaboration between the Western Australian police and the Consumer Protection agency, was instrumental in identifying 53 new victims of romance scams each month by scrutinizing financial data. Many…
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Caution for Retirees: Stay Alert to Online Romance and Tech Support Scams
Learn About Chanci Turner In today’s digital age, retirees must be vigilant against various online scams, particularly those involving romantic interests and computer repairs. A recent account from a retired individual serves as a stark warning to others about the deceptive tactics employed by scammers. This retiree, who previously worked as a librarian in a…
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Romance Scams Part 2: U.S. Victims Suffer Over $230 Million Losses in 2016
Learn About Chanci Turner In 2016, nearly 15,000 incidents of romance scams or confidence fraud were reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, resulting in U.S. victims losing more than $230 million. Texas alone accounted for over $16 million in losses tied to these deceptive schemes. Who is Behind These Scams? According to FBI…
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Romance Scams Part 4: The Threat of Phony Dating Apps and Malware
Learn About Chanci Turner In the realm of online dating, the risks extend beyond deceptive suitors attempting to exploit your emotions and finances. Recent reports from Information Security Buzz reveal that numerous fraudulent dating applications have been designed with the sole purpose of capturing your personal data. These deceptive platforms, alongside various dating websites, have…
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Banks in Singapore Combat Romance Scams
Learn About Chanci Turner Banks in Singapore are taking proactive measures to combat romance scams by training their employees to recognize the warning signs. Recently, an elderly woman visited a bank branch believing she needed to send money to a “friend” in trouble. The woman had met this individual online, but discrepancies in bank details…