US Secret Service Issues Valentine’s Day Warning For Wisconsin

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and it's a major reason that February is called 'the month of love'. If you want to go even deeper, astrologically, February is ruled by Venus, the planet of romance and desire.

So, even though some think that Hallmark invented Valentine's Day to sell cards, its roots go much deeper, especially considering that it wasn't until 1913 that Hallmark produced the first commercially printed Valentine's Day card.

While love is certainly in the air all this month in Wisconsin and beyond, some criminals use the occasion to take advantage of others, and government officials are imploring people to be aware of the dangerous threat they pose.

The United States Secret Service Valentine's Day Warning

According to the United States Secret Service, while Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to spend time with those we love, it's also a time when romance scams become more prevalent in Wisconsin and other states nationwide.

A romance scam is when a scammer gains the trust of a victim by developing a romantic relationship. They often target older people and those who may be struggling in a relationship or are emotionally vulnerable. Victims can be both men and women.

This relationship usually begins after scammers, who are expert manipulators, have done extensive research on their victims by looking through social media, dating sites, and even online job sites, for posts that will provide details on their lives and personalities.

Get our free mobile app

Criminals will then use this information to cultivate a "relationship" with victims over a long period. They often claim to be abroad for work or vacation or to be from a foreign country. They may offer to exchange photos or videos to reassure victims while providing excuses as to why they are unable to meet in person. Common excuses involve the scammer having immigration-related issues, or lacking the money for travel.

Sadly, victims don't realize they're being targeted and they feel there is a real connection and a budding romance with the scammer. Then, as the relationship evolves, the scammer entices the victim to send personal or financial information, money, gift cards, or electronic devices.

Once the victim follows through on such requests, the scammer disappears, as does the victim's information, money, and/or merchandise.

Sometimes, scammers even convert their victims into unwitting criminals by convincing them to launder and move fraudulent funds, for which the victim is then liable, both financially and potentially criminally.

SEE NOW: Wisconsin Restaurant Named One Of The Most Romantic In America

Victims of these romance scams are often reluctant to report these scams out of embarrassment and humiliation. It's hard enough to be taken advantage of, but it's even worse when they've become emotionally and financially invested in the relationship.

Red Flags And How To Protect Yourself

Government officials warn everyone to look for these red flags:

• The scammer may ask the victim to send money for travel or business expenses, family emergencies, needs, or investment opportunities.
• The scammer may ask the victim to open bank accounts to receive money from business associates for projects or investments.
• The scammer may ask the victim to send phones or other expensive items to addresses in the United States or other countries, for example, to help a child in school with a laptop.
• The scammer may ask the victim to purchase gift cards and send pictures of the codes via a messaging application.
• The scammer may ask the victim for assistance with an added sense of urgency for medical emergencies, death in the family, legal or tax issues, border detainment, etc.

SEE NOW: 40 Discontinued Cereals People Used To Love In Wisconsin

Protecting yourself is crucial, and the following advice will help do just that:

• NEVER send money to someone you have not met in person.
• NEVER open bank accounts or start businesses on behalf of someone else.
• NEVER send or receive money on behalf of someone else or to someone else.
• NEVER share your personal or financial information.
• Understand that video calls and messaging applications are not enough proof of their real identity.

If you suspect you are a victim of a romance scam, contact your local Secret Service field office.