close

Mon Valley woman scammed out of $620k through dating website

2 min read
article image -

A Fallowfield Township woman became a victim of “catfishing” when she was scammed out of $620,000 through a dating website in a crime that has been on the rise.

State police said the woman reported the crime Jan. 21, saying she transferred the money through unknown overseas accounts at the instruction of a stranger.

Police issued a press release about the case last week about the same time the Better Business Bureau and FBI in Pittsburgh issued warnings about catfishing schemes at a time when more people are turning to online dating sites.

The scheme usually involves someone who steals an identity under a profile that has a “compelling back story” to help convince people to fall in love with someone who doesn’t exist, the BBB said.

The FBI said 5,700 residents of Western Pennsylvania fell victim to romance scams in 2020, up 3,600 from the previous year. The scams last year bilked the victims out of a combined $20.3 million, the FBI said. People who are 60 years old or older are increasingly falling victim to these thieves.

The BBB urged people to not send money or personal information to people they have never met in person. It also said those searching online for love should perform reverse image searches to see if the profile is using a stolen image.

State police did not reveal the identity of the Fallowfield woman or release any additional details about the case.

To avoid becoming a victim, FBI Pittsburgh recommends the following:

· Only use reputable, nationally-recognized dating websites; however, be aware that scammers may be using them too.

· Research photos and profiles in other online search tools and ask questions.

· Never provide your financial information, loan money, nor allow your bank accounts to be used for transfers of funds.

· Do not allow attempts to isolate you from family and friends.

· Do not blindly believe the stories of severe life circumstances, tragedies, family deaths, injuries or other hardships geared at keeping your interest and concern.

· If you are planning to meet someone in person you have met online, meet in a public place and let someone know where you will be and what time you should return home.

· If you are traveling to a foreign country to meet someone check the State Department’s Travel Advisories beforehand (http://travel.state.gov/), provide your itinerary to family and friends, and do not travel alone if possible.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today