With Valentine’s Day approaching, it is important to remain cautious of suitors trying to gain access to your personal information online. Con artists are targeting those Arkansans looking for love. Scammers will befriend someone online, slowly gaining trust and access to more personal information, including financial information, birthdates, and social security numbers. This is commonly referred to as a “Sweetheart Scam.”
“Scammers will use whatever means they can to steal from Arkansans,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Guard your heart, bank account and personal information from cons trying to become friends to steal your hard-earned money.”
Here are 7 tips for social media users:
- Share your hopes and dreams, not your salary and bank information.
- Be honest about your expectations, not your pin number.
- Reveal your hobbies, not your passwords.
- Open your heart to love, not your wallet to a sob story.
- Plan to meet in public, not in a private, secluded or an unknown place.
- Talk about your favorite vacations, not when you’re leaving town.
- Hope for the best in others, but don’t ignore red flags.
The Attorney General’s Office provides a tip card for consumers, how to spot phishing scams, information for parents to spot cyberbullying and tips on internet safety.
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Attorney General’s Office at [email protected] or visit ArkansasAG.gov.