CATFISHING – ROMANCE SCAMS
What is Catfishing?
The term “Catfishing” refers to a predator who takes information and images, typically from other people, and uses that information to create a new identity for themselves. In some cases, the predator steals another individual’s complete identity, including their image, date of birth and residency, to create a false identity for the purpose of luring potential victims into romantic relationships such as online dating sites.
If you’re on an online dating site here are some examples of the ways you can spot someone who might be catfishing you:
- They do not post photos of themselves.
- They refuse to video or phone chat.
- They’ll avoid meeting you in person.
- They’re immediately romantic and will begin sending you loving messages or, if you have given them your phone number, which you should never do, then they’ll sweet talk you with praise and words of affection.
Ways to avoid being catfished per the FBI:
The FBI recommends being careful about what you post and make public online, as scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
They also recommend searching the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or their details have been used elsewhere. Additional tips from the FBI include:
- Ask lots of questions.
- Beware if the individual seems too perfect, or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly with them.
- Beware if the person attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information.
- Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse as to why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
- Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
Tips for avoiding romance scams:
- It’s a red flag if they seem too good to be true. Scammers steal photos of very attractive and successful-looking people and create fake online accounts to scam you. If, suddenly, a handsome billionaire or a gorgeous model falls into your lap, beware.
- Another red flag is if they fall in love having never met you. Make every effort to video chat with or meet them in person as soon as you’ve made a connection.
- Block and delete them if they ask for money, Crypto or gift cards.
Ways to report a romance scam:
If you think you’re a victim of a romance scam, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov., or call the FTC at (877) 382-4357. Notify the social networking site or app where you met the scammer, too.
Make a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.Ic3.gov and notify your local police department.
Contact your bank immediately if you paid a scammer with a gift card, cryptocurrency, credit/debit card, or wire transfer and request a refund of your money.
In Conclusion:
At Sunset Blvd. Investigations we’ve investigated hundreds of these romance scams. These crimes are difficult to prove and investigate since many of these scammers are located overseas. They are not simply committed by one person, or what is referred to as, a “lone-wolf operator” and often function within organized fraud rings which utilize complex techniques such as false email addresses and computer generated phone numbers.
Meet our investigators: http://www.sunsetblvdinv.com/Our-Team.aspx
Professional Memberships:
- The Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) https://thepbsa.org/
- Southern California Fraud Investigators Association (SCFIA) https://scfia.org/
- World Association of Detectives (WAD) https://www.wad.net/
- California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) https://www.cali-pi.org/
- California Narcotics Officers’ Association (CNOA) – https://www.cnoa.org/
Need a Private Investigator in Los Angeles?
Sunset Blvd. Investigations, Inc. provides seasoned and effective private investigation services for clients throughout the United States and Internationally. Our combined 80 years as law enforcement officers coupled with our private investigative experience distinguishes us from all other investigation businesses. If you’re in need of a private investigator, we’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Call today at 888-406-0149 to contact us and request a consultation!
Need a private investigator?
Sunset Blvd. Investigations, Inc. provides seasoned and effective private investigation services for clients throughout the United States and Internationally. Our combined 80 years as law enforcement officers coupled with our private investigative experience distinguishes us from all other investigation businesses. If you’re in need of a private investigator, we’re here to assist you in any way we can.
