Summer Romance? Protect Your Heart … and Your Wallet

Online communications and connections are ubiquitous in today’s society. In addition to keeping in contact with known loved ones, friends, coworkers and the like, relationships are often formed online, before the involved parties physically see or talk to each other.  

It’s important to be careful to avoid scammers who prey on those looking for a connection online. Scammers often find victims by creating a fake personal, gaining trust, then exploiting that trust for financial gain.  Be wary of the following tactics:

•    Avoidance of Live Contact: Scammers usually avoid video calls, cancel virtual meetings or refuse to meet.

•    Requests for Money: Scammers also use the pretext of an emergency or unexpected expenses to see funds from the victim.

•    Secrecy: Scammers may attempt to isolate you from family and friends, to thwart any suspicion or interference with their scheme. 

This article offers more helpful tips. 

These tips are courtesy of the ACBA Legal Technology and e-Discovery Committee, the August 2024 OUCH! Newsletter (a free monthly security awareness newsletter published by the SANS Institute).