Contact 6: Tips for avoiding scams via online dating sites

MILWAUKEE — Tuesday is Valentine’s Day, and many are looking for someone to love, or just someone to take to dinner, but FOX6′s Contact 6 says be careful where you look! Contact 6 has some tips on how to deal if someone tries to steal more than just your heart!

For every website promising it’s a fun place to meet people, there are plenty of scorned lovers offering warnings. They post their frustrations not just about their broken hearts, but because they’re broke – taken by the love they thought they found online.

So how do you know whether that great gal or guy is really a scam artist? The Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection says you should watch out for the following:

• The person asks you to leave the dating site and communicate by email or instant messages.
• The person professes love for you in a heartbeat.
• The person claims to be from the U.S., but is “traveling” or “working overseas” right now. Some even say they are a solider.
• The person makes plans to visit, but cancels the trip because of a last-minute medical, financial or family emergency.
• The person asks you to send money by wire transfer to pay for airfare, Visas, government documents or to help a family member in distress. Never wire money to someone you do not know, or have not met in person. Wiring money is like sending cash – once it’s gone, you cannot get it back.
• The person requests personal information, like social security, bank account or credit card numbers.

You might think this is crazy, or who would fall for this? But Contact 6 has talked with plenty of men and women who were crazy in love until their bank accounts were drained, and they had to call Contact 6, and unfortunately, Contact 6 cannot help.

The scammers use fake information, and fake pictures and are often out of the country. Contact 6 says don’t be fooled by their sob stories and their gorgeous pictures on these online dating sites!

CLICK HERE to get in touch/file a complaint with Contact 6.