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How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams this Valentine’s Day
In today’s digital world, online relationships can feel just as real as those formed in person. Unfortunately, scammers know this and often take advantage of people’s desire to connect. They play the role of the perfect partner—until they start asking for money. In this blog post, with the help of Chrystal, a seasoned member of our Risk Management team for the past 20 years, we’ll walk you through the warning signs of online relationship scams, what to do if you think you’ve been targeted, and how Kitsap Credit Union can help you protect your personal information and finances. Let’s dive in!
Q: What kind of fraud tactics should members look out for in online relationships?
A: Scammers love to play the part of a dream partner—until they start asking for money. They usually pretend to be in the military, working overseas, or in some kind of emergency that prevents them from meeting in person. They might say all the right things, move the relationship along super fast, and then suddenly have a crisis where they need financial help. If someone you’ve never met in real life asks for money or personal info, that’s a huge red flag!
Q: What should someone do if they think they’ve been scammed?
A: First things first—stop all communication with the person. If you sent money, contact your bank or credit union as soon as possible to see if anything can be done. It’s also a good idea to report the scam to the FTC and FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) so they can track these scammers. And don’t be too hard on yourself—these scams are designed to be super convincing!
Q: How can someone avoid falling for these scams?
A: A good rule of thumb is that if someone you met online is moving fast, avoids video calls, and keeps coming up with reasons they can’t meet in person, be extra cautious. Never send money or give out personal details like your banking info. And if something feels off, talk to a friend or family member about it—they might notice red flags you didn’t catch.
Q: How can Kitsap Credit Union help?
A: We’re here to help protect you! If you think you’ve been scammed, reach out to us right away. We can help secure your accounts, check for suspicious activity, and give you advice on what to do next. We also love spreading awareness, so if you ever have questions about scams, just ask! Plus, you can follow us on social media, where we share educational and engaging fraud prevention content.
Q: Anything else to keep in mind?
A: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. A real relationship is built on trust, not money. Stay safe, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it!
To learn more about Fraud and Security Resources click here. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our representatives today.
Q: What kind of fraud tactics should members look out for in online relationships?
A: Scammers love to play the part of a dream partner—until they start asking for money. They usually pretend to be in the military, working overseas, or in some kind of emergency that prevents them from meeting in person. They might say all the right things, move the relationship along super fast, and then suddenly have a crisis where they need financial help. If someone you’ve never met in real life asks for money or personal info, that’s a huge red flag!
Q: What should someone do if they think they’ve been scammed?
A: First things first—stop all communication with the person. If you sent money, contact your bank or credit union as soon as possible to see if anything can be done. It’s also a good idea to report the scam to the FTC and FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) so they can track these scammers. And don’t be too hard on yourself—these scams are designed to be super convincing!
Q: How can someone avoid falling for these scams?
A: A good rule of thumb is that if someone you met online is moving fast, avoids video calls, and keeps coming up with reasons they can’t meet in person, be extra cautious. Never send money or give out personal details like your banking info. And if something feels off, talk to a friend or family member about it—they might notice red flags you didn’t catch.
Q: How can Kitsap Credit Union help?
A: We’re here to help protect you! If you think you’ve been scammed, reach out to us right away. We can help secure your accounts, check for suspicious activity, and give you advice on what to do next. We also love spreading awareness, so if you ever have questions about scams, just ask! Plus, you can follow us on social media, where we share educational and engaging fraud prevention content.
Q: Anything else to keep in mind?
A: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. A real relationship is built on trust, not money. Stay safe, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it!
To learn more about Fraud and Security Resources click here. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our representatives today.
February 6, 2025