Stop These V-Day Scams Before They Break Your Heart and Bank Account

It's important to stay vigilant in the world of online dating, and especially around Valentine's Day, when scammers may prey on people's emotions and vulnerabilities. According to the FTC about 70,000 people have reported being victims of a romantic scam with reported losses up to $1.3 Billion. Some examples of common love scams include catfishing, e-cards, malicious websites, and more.

Here are 5 warning signs of a heart-breaking scammer:

• Quickly tell you they love you
• Always have an excuse for not meeting you in person or video calling
• Ask you for money, gift cards, or other favors, often for urgent or personal reasons
• Send you links or attachments that seem suspicious
• Give vague or mysterious details about themselves, like their location or work

Here are some tips on how to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams:

• Going slow and trusting your instinct
• Not clicking on suspicious links or attachments
• Not sending money or personal information
• Verifying the source and checking for red flags
• Installing antivirus software and identity theft protection
• Reporting any suspicious profiles or activities to the authorities
• Monitoring one's credit report and scores
• Ask a loved one or close friend for a second opinion, before sending money or gifts

Scammers preying on tender hearts will likely gain a few more victims this year. Make sure you aren't one of them. Get the full story on Fox News by clicking the article below.