The Better Business Bureau is warning of a romance scam that could land you in hot water for money-laundering.
Marjorie Stephens of the BBB says a love interest on a dating app that you’ve spent time online with can suddenly make a seemingly harmless request. Often they claim to be helping a loved one with COVID and want to send you money to have you wire it overseas.
The money is actually stolen CARES Act funds, and yes…you become part of the crime, because the scam is designed to turn you into a money laundering mule.
The BBB says the fake dating profiles usually target lonely women in their 50s and 60s.
Click here to hear a podcast with Stephens about this scary romance scam.
For More Information
Find more information in this romance scams study from BBB and these romance scam tips.
Learn more about money mule scams on the Federal Bureau of Investigations website.
To learn more about scams related to the coronavirus and how to protect yourself from them, see the BBB Coronavirus news page.
If you’ve been the victim of scam, please report it on the BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others to stay alert and avoid similar scams.
