The Rise Of Romance Scams
Posted on Jul 13th 2017
As technology quickly evolves, Internet-related crimes are increasing. There has been a growth in cyber-criminals and internet scams, and unlike traditional criminals, these are typically more difficult to catch. This is because cyber-criminals commit their crimes through computers, providing them with a level of protection and anonymity. Recently, however, law enforcement has been cracking down on cyber-criminals. Cyber-crimes include anything from hacking to sexual exploitation, but lately cyber-criminals have been targeting those looking for romance through dating websites. At Stout Defense, P.A., we can provide you with a criminal defense attorney Gainesville residents can count on for legal representation against cyber-crimes.
What Are Romance Scams?
Romance scams are a new method of deception that cyber-criminals are attempting to use in order to exploit people looking for relationships through online dating sites. Online dating sites are growing increasingly popular, helping people find love in others with similar interests and in similar situations as them. However, cyber-criminals have begun taking advantage of the way people interact through these sites since there is no face-to-face contact initially. These romance scams are appearing even in popular dating websites, such as eHarmony and Match.com.Trust a Gainesville criminal defense attorney to advise you on the intricacies of Internet law.
How Do Dating Site Scams Work?
Cyber-criminals are infiltrating dating websites by create fake profiles with false information about themselves and using other people’s photos as their own. Once they have created a fake identity, they start conversations with the site’s other users just like any person who would be interested in getting to know another person there would. This is kept up for long long periods of time, often months, in an attempt to develop a strong relationship with a user, making them believe that the person whom they are are claiming to be is interested in a romantic relationship. Once the scammer feels that a solid rapport has been established and he/she has gained the user’s trust, the scammer will attempt to receive money from the user. This is often done by claiming that they are stranded outside of the country or in an area other than where they live without access to funds. They tell their victim that they need financial help temporarily and ask them to wire money to a bank account. Once the victim transfers money, he/she never hears from that person again and is scammed out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How To Protect Yourself From Romance Scams?
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, a platform established to report any internet scams or crimes directly to the FBI, Americans were scammed out of more than $120 million dollars by cyber-criminals through romance scams in the first six months of 2016. This was a 23-percent increase from the amount reported in the first six months of 2015. In order to protect yourself against internet scams on dating websites, it is encouraged for users to check profile images with free apps that allow you to reverse-image search a photograph in order to identify where it came from and whether it is real or stolen from somewhere else. You should also never send money online to someone whom you don’t fully know, especially if you’ve never met them in person.
Defense Attorney in Gainesville for Cyber-Crimes
Although some may think that cyber-crimes are not as severe as other forms of crime, they are taken very seriously. Law enforcement is tough on cyber-criminals, and you could face hefty penalties for your actions. If you have been arrested in Gainesville for an internet crime, don’t hesitate to contact a defense attorney. Proper representation is crucial in protecting your future. Contact Stout Defense, P.A., today for a Gainesville criminal attorney.