Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out

Posted on 02/18/25

In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams.

By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.

If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.

These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag.

The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, www.investor.gov.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the AARP South Dakota page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. ET

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-abington-pa-c38352.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-COMMUNITY-COLLEGE-OF-PHILADELPHIA-NE">AARP Smart Driver™: Community College Of Philadelphia - Ne</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-abington-pa-c37733.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-SALEM-ADULT-CITIZEN-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Salem Adult Citizen Senior Center</a></h2>
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	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PHILADELPHIA-PA">Renew</a> or 
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-lansdale-pa-c36738.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-PEAK-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Peak Center</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-abington-pa-c38352.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-COMMUNITY-COLLEGE-OF-PHILADELPHIA-NE">AARP Smart Driver™: Community College Of Philadelphia - Ne</a></h2>
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					<p class="loc">Philadelphia, PA</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-abington-pa-c37733.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-SALEM-ADULT-CITIZEN-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Salem Adult Citizen Senior Center</a></h2>
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					<p class="loc">Abington, PA</p>
					
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			<p><a class="link-red" href="/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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<br />
	<p>
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
</p>
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		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PHILADELPHIA-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PHILADELPHIA-PA">Renew</a> or 
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<h2>Contact AARP <br /> in Philadelphia</h2>
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>

<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PHILADELPHIA-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 02/18/25 
							</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<p class="loc">Lansdale, PA</p>
					
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<br />
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This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br />
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PHILADELPHIA-PA">Renew</a> or 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 02/18/25 
							</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-lansdale-pa-c36738.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-PEAK-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Peak Center</a></h2>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 02/18/25 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams. <br><br>By building trust and forging deep emotional connections, scammers can manipulate their victims into making financial decisions they would not normally consider.<br><br>If someone you’ve only met online claims they are making money with crypto and offers to help you do the same, it’s a scam – full stop. It does not matter how genuine they seem or what “proof” they attempt to show you; encouraging you to invest and claiming that you can make extraordinary returns in cryptocurrency is one of the surest signs of a modern-day romance scam.<br><br>These criminals often pressure you to act fast, making it seem like you are about to miss out on a golden opportunity – another big red flag. <br><br>The safest way to invest is to research opportunities to ensure they are legitimate and that you understand the risk as well as the potential. A good place to start is at the SEC’s site, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.investor.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.investor.gov</a></span></span>.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>AARP Fraud Watch Network</u></b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP South Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/south-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP South Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/833efb9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/716x460+30+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fdf%2F5b%2Fdf8fee0943c3863f5ea6e13a1130%2Fromance-scams.jpg"/>
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<meta property="og:title" content="Heartbreak Hotel: When Romance Scams Leave You Checking Out"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="In recent years, cryptocurrency scams have surged, with billions stolen annually. One of the biggest drivers of this trend? Romance scams."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/833efb9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/716x460+30+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fdf%2F5b%2Fdf8fee0943c3863f5ea6e13a1130%2Fromance-scams.jpg"/>
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		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/philadelphia-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
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				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/philadelphia-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118