While most sweetheart scams now start online, sweetheart scams that happen the old fashioned way– face-to-face—are still a concern.
Worried relatives recently contacted our office to report that a widow is being deceived by a sweetheart scammer who first approached her while she was visiting her husband’s grave in a local cemetery. The scammer quickly wormed his way into her heart, her home and her bank account.
Regardless of whether the scam happens in person or online, victims often refuse to believe that they are being taken advantage of by their newfound love and may angrily reject efforts by family members to intervene.
Although many victims of sweetheart scams are hesitant to come forward, our office strongly encourages victims and their loved ones to report these scams. To report a sweetheart scam, call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. We’ve heard from 17 sweetheart scam victims so far this year who’ve lost a combined total of nearly $700,000.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones against sweetheart and other types of scammers, visit www.ncdoj.gov.
This message brought to you on behalf of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper.