Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, but it isn’t true love for everyone. People are falling victim to romance scams, which cost Americans a record $1 billion last year.
Cyber experts say scammers are getting smarter with approaching their targets, which is leading them to steal more money.
Hannam says romance scams swindle Americans out of millions of dollars each year, and because the scammers are usually based out of Ghana, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, they’re difficult to investigate and prosecute. "We call it love bombing, where they just pour it on really thick and get that person tied into them. And just when it seems like they’re getting ready to steal the victims heart, that’s when they go after their money," Hannam said.
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