Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams


What is a Romance Scam?

A romance scam is when a scammer creates a fake online persona to form a romantic relationship with someone, only to eventually manipulate them into sending money. The scammer often uses emotional manipulation and deceit to gain the victim’s trust before asking for money for a fabricated emergency or situation.

Signs of a Romance Scam:

  • Fast-paced relationships: The scammer may claim to be deeply in love very quickly, even after only brief interactions.
  • Inconsistent or vague details: Their stories or personal information often don’t add up, and they avoid direct questions.
  • Requests for money or gifts: The scammer will ask for money, often for emergencies like medical bills or travel expenses.
  • Avoiding in-person meetings: They may make excuses to avoid meeting face-to-face or video chatting.
  • Isolation from others: The scammer may try to isolate you from family or friends, claiming they don’t understand or approve of the relationship.
  • Overseas situations: They often claim to be working or traveling overseas, which can make it harder to verify their identity.

Who is Most at Risk?

  • People living alone: Those without regular in-person interactions may be more vulnerable to online emotional manipulation.
  • Seniors: Older adults who may be more trusting or less familiar with online scams are often targeted.
  • People going through personal challenges: Those experiencing loneliness, grief, or emotional hardship can be more susceptible to scammers who prey on their vulnerability.
  • Individuals seeking companionship: People who actively seek online relationships may unknowingly engage with scammers.

What can you do?

Stay cautious when meeting people online. If you’re unsure about someone, take a step back, talk to trusted friends or family, and remember that real relationships don’t pressure you for money or secrecy.

If you think a friend or family member is being targeted by a romance scam, talk to them openly, express concern, and help them recognize the warning signs. Encourage them to stop communication and review any requests for money. You can also assist in reporting the scam to relevant authorities to help protect others.

 

Theft Aid Image


 
ID Theft Aid 1,2 can help protect you against fraud. By enrolling in Southern Rewards, you’ll gain access to this benefit along with roadside assistance, exclusive discounts at local and national retailers, and much more. Make the change today!
 
 Id Theft Aid includes payment card fraud resolution, $2,500 in personal identity theft benefit identity monitoring*, and credit monitoring*.
 
Experian ID and Credit Monitoring
Includes credit monitoring and quarterly credit reports, credit score and score tracker, score stimulator, identity monitoring, and child cyber monitoring.


GET SOUTHERN REWARDS 

 

  Want to enroll in person? 
Visit your local branch or call
 (800) 379-7628 today. 



1 Cell phone protection and personal identity theft benefit are subject to additional terms and conditions.
2 Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK.
* Identity monitoring and credit monitoring require additional enrollment on BaZing.com