LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Valentine’s Day is only four days away and lots of people are in search of companionship.
But, you don’t want to go looking for love in the wrong inbox.
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said Valentine’s Day is another opportunity for con artists to find a way into your wallet rather than your heart.
“As we’re going into Valentine’s Day, and I know so many people are looking for love online,” Rutledge said.
She warned the public about potential threats on dating apps and social media sites.
“I do want to caution folks, as you are looking for love online to be aware that not everyone is who they say they are and their intentions are not all good,” Rutledge said.
She said with over 1,500 dating sites one thing is certain: people are looking for a connection.
There are several signs that someone is trying to connect with you for the wrong reasons.
“Asking you to send them money, asking you for your bank account… that should be a big red flag that they are more interested in your bank account than they are in finding the way to your heart,” Rutledge said.
Things like your birthday and your mother’s maiden name may seem like harmless "getting to know you" questions.
But, they’re also the type of questions used to secure your banking information.
“Too often we see it with an overseas con artist pretending to be someone who is in a relationship with one of our Arkansans when in fact, they’re not,” Rutledge said.
Scammers may say they need money for things like a visa or a utility bill.
It’s important to let your loved ones know if you spot any of these red flags.
Rutledge said that if you notice a family member or a friend talking about someone they've met online that for some reason or another haven't been able to verify their actual identity, to make sure they do not send that person any money.
Attorney General Rutledge said too often these scams go unreported.
“Sadly, too many people don’t call us because they’re embarrassed,” Rutledge said.
If you’re aware of any scam like this, Rutledge urges you to contact her or learn more about other programs by going to the Attorney General website.