A Twentynine Palms woman is out more that $10,000 after falling victim to a popular romance scam. According to Sheriff’s reports, the woman met a man on a popular dating site who convinced her to send him $10,300 in Bitcoin before disappearing without a trace. Reporter Cassidy Taylor says this type of scam is on the rise…
Using a “romance” scam, criminals pose as interested romantic partners through dating websites. The scammers build trust with their victims, often communicating several times each day. Then, soon after, they make up a story and ask for money by wire transfer, reload debit cards, gift cards, or crypto currency such as Bitcoin, usually to pay for alleged travel expenses, medical expenses, or personal debts. The bottom line: never send money to a partner you have not met in person, no matter how compelling their argument. If you believe you have fallen victim to a romance scam, contact law enforcement immediately.
More information: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-you-need-know-about-romance-scams
