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Attorney General warns of scam artists trolling dating websites | Forum

Topic location: Forum home » General » Scam
billyHill Moderator
billyHill Feb 10 '15
Chances are good those of us here on this site have this knowledge all ready....

But I think it can always use repeating. Original story ( including video) here:

https:///...ng-websites/31178164



Attorney General warns of scam artists trolling dating websites


CINCINNATI —Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and scam artists are trying to take advantage of lonely hearts on online dating sites, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said.

DeWine said 90 people have been cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars and seven of those people live in the Greater Cincinnati area.

On average, scam artists walked away with more than $22,000 from people whom they've never met.

Watch this story

“It's amazing how many people have lost money in Ohio as a direct result of this. We have one woman in the Cincinnati area that lost $40,000,” DeWine said.

DeWine said scam artist often have a reason for never meeting, but will make up stories for needing large amounts of money. Sometimes they will say they are stuck overseas, and can’t afford to get back.

Authorities said online daters, even on legitimate sites, need to be on the lookout for the following things:

  • Anyone who asks for money before you've met, even if the relationship is going well
  • Anyone asking for wire transfers or prepaid money cards
  • Never assume that anyone is who they say they are online, even on faith-based dating sites

DeWine said he believes that many people don’t report being scammed because they are embarrassed, but he wants them to know they are not alone.

WLWT News 5's Kristy Davis spoke to the woman who was scammed out of $40,000. She is a widow, and asked to remain anonymous.

She said she is emotionally drained, and could lose her home. She warns anyone looking for love online to use their mind, not their heart.

The largest take for the online dating scam in Ohio so far is $600,000. However DeWine was able to track down a suspect and secure a federal indictment.

If you or someone you know thinks they may be involved in a scam, contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-282-0515 or go to www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov


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