Online Dating Scams

February is known as the time to celebrate love and for those who are feeling alone, Valentine’s Day weekend can make you feel especially vulnerable.
Often times, people use online dating sites as a way to find that special someone but these resources are also a prime location for “sweetheart scams.” According to the FBI, victims of online dating scams lose an average of $100,000 to their fake suitors. Of the victims, approximately 82 percent are female.
Ocean Springs resident Brittany Wimberly said, “Maybe we could be a little more trusting sometimes. You know, sometimes I can be guilty of not doing all the research. I see something that looks great and want to jump on it but I want to take my time and research it fire. So, maybe that’s what it is for other women.”
Warning signs include anyone who immediately professes love, repeatedly cancels plans last minute or quickly wants to communicate through personal emails instead of through the dating site.