City Of Minnetonka:

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

02/04/2022 9:00 a.m.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner - and so too are online cons using the lure of love to steal your personal information and more.

A growing number of criminals adopt online identities and use romance to gain affection and trust. They seek out people dating or social media sites and come across as very genuine, caring, and believable.

Avoid becoming entangled:

• Be careful what you post. Criminals will us this information.
• Do your research! Check to see whether photos and profiles have been used elsewhere.
• Scammers have sad stories and will for help with emergency or unexpected expenses.
• Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.
• Requests for gift cards and wire transfers are suspicious.
• Sharing or opening accounts used in crimes can also get you into trouble.
• Beware of attempts to isolate you from friends and family, or requests inappropriate photos that could later be used to extort you.

Romance scams are often financially and emotionally devastating. When in doubt, tell someone you trust.

This press release was produced by the City of Minnetonka. The views expressed here are the author’s own.