(Washington) The FTC is warning the public to increase their suspicion against romance scams as the new year gets underway.
The FTC says scam activity often picks up around new years as unfamiliar names in digital inboxes become far more common during this time, allowing them to slip under the radar.
They say scammers will employ a variety of emotional ploys on their victims ranging from declaring love for their victims, pretending to be military heroes in far away places, or claiming they have kids they left behind, which are always a preface for asking for money.
If you think someone is a scammer, cut off contact. Tell the online app or social media platform right away, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
