Over the years, the internet has become a major resource for people looking for love. According to a 2015 survey by Pew Research Center, 15 percent of U.S. adults have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps. With more people using online dating, scammers are taking advantage by creating compelling backstories and full-fledged identities. They then trick you into falling for somebody who doesn’t exist. The Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas urges consumers to be on the lookout for scams being populated on online dating websites and on social networks.

The romance scam is very similar to other types of consumer fraud, however, in this case the scammer’s main tool is affection and eventually love. They use this feigned devotion to swindle thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars from their prey.”

Targeting single and widowed men and women, love scammers are setting up fake profiles committing anywhere from three to 12 months to woo their victims into emptying their pockets. Oftentimes, scammers claim to be in the military or working overseas as a reason to not meet you in person.

The BBB warns consumers of the following love scam operator tactics:

– They claim to be from the U.S., but they are overseas for business or family matters.

– They profess their love at warp speed, usually within 24 to 48 hours.

– They send gifts within the first few weeks of contact, both to endear their victims to them as well as to confirm their victim’s address.

– Many claim to have lost a spouse in a tragic accident.

– They insist you keep the relationship a secret.

The BBB offers the following tips to help avoid heartbreak:

– Never send money to someone you have never met and whom you don’t know well. If you are asked to send funds via wire transfer, prepaid credit card, Green Dot Moneypack or any unusual method of payment, discontinue contact immediately. If you refuse to send money to a scam artist, they will move on to someone else.

– Don’t click on links or open attachments. Links can download malware onto your computer. This malware is designed to retrieve information and compromise your identity.

– Never share personally identifiable information. Refrain from sharing banking and credit card information, birthday and Social Security number with anyone you don’t know.

– Don’t be pressured to act immediately. Scammers typically make you think something is scarce. They want to push you into action before you have time to think or to discuss it with a family member, friend or financial adviser.

– Be cautious about what you share online. Be sure to use privacy settings on all social media and online accounts. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you.

For more information on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please use BBB Scam Tracker or call the BBB Hotline: 903-581-8373.