THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 21 FBI Cautions Public to Beware of Romance Scammers Looking for More Than Love T he FBI Boston Division is continuously working to raise awareness about online romance scams, also called confidence fraud. In this type of fraud, scammers take advantage of people looking for companionship or romantic partners on dating websites, apps, chat rooms, and social networking sites with the sole goal of obtaining access to their financial or personal identifying information. Romance scams are prevalent, especially during this time of year. Increased isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in more people looking for love online. The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do. They spend hours honing their skills, relying on well-rehearsed scripts that have been used repeatedly and successfully, and sometimes keep journals on their victims to better understand how to manipulate and exploit them. In some cases, victims may be recruited, unknowingly, to transfer money illegally on behalf of others. “The consequences of these scams are often financially and emotionally devastating to victims who rarely get their money back and may not have the ability to recover from the financial loss,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “While we recognize that it may be embarrassing for victims to report this type of fraud, it’s important to do so, so that the FBI and our law enforcement partners can do everything in our power to ensure these online imposters are held accountable.” According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which provides the public with a means of reporting internet-facilitated crimes, romance scams have resulted in one of the highest amounts of financial losses when compared to other online crimes. Nationwide in 2020, almost 23,768 complaints categorized as romance scams were reported to IC3 (4,295 more than the previous year), and the losses associated with those complaints total approximately $605 million. Here in the Boston Division which includes all of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, 569 complaints were filed with financial losses totaling approximately $11.7 million. 57 victims in Maine reported financial losses totaling $1,514,636. 361 victims in Massachusetts reported financial losses totaling $8,006,260. 71 victims in New Hampshire reported losing $820,326. 80 victims in Rhode Island lost approximately $1,381,336. The reported losses are most likely much higher as many victims are hesitant to report being taken advantage of due to embarrassment, shame, or humiliation. Be careful what you post online because scammers can use that information against you, and always assume that con artists are trolling even the most reputable dating and social media sites. If you develop a romantic relationship with someone you meet online, consider the following: • Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. • Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere. • Go slowly and ask lots of questions. • Beware if the individual seems too perfect, or quickly asks you to communicate “offline.” • Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family. • Beware if the individual claims to be working and living far away, whether it’s on the other side of the country or overseas. • Beware if the individual promises to meet in person, but then always cancels because of some emergency. • Beware if you’re asked to send inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you. • Never send money to anyone you don’t know personally. • Never help anyone move money through your own account or someone else’s. You could become an unwitting money mule for the perpetrator helping to carry out other theft and fraud schemes. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately and if you have already sent money, it is extremely important to report any transfer of funds to your financial institution and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Saugus student-athlete named to Endicott College Dean’s List B EVERLY–Olivia Valente of Saugus was named to the Dean’s List at Endicott College for the fall 2020 semester. Valente is a member ASKS | FROM PAGE 8 ings at Town Hall as a concerned citizen and more recently as an elected town representative: “I just hope the person who replaces her to be as good a public servant as she was for the Town of Saugus. She was always very meticulous and helpful in getting answers to questions citiTAXPAYERS | FROM PAGE 6 ey, hang up and call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. If you get a scam call and do not owe taxes, fill out the “IRS Impersonation scam” of Endicott’s women’s basketball team. In order to qualify for the Dean's List, a student must obtain a minimum grade point zens had. “Wendy Reed was a servant that gave a lot to the Town of Saugus and it was tough to see her pass.” Retired Saugus Police Department auto mechanic Kevin Nichols and Bev Milward, longtime friends of Reed: We have known Wendy for many years. I knew her as a dedicated person not only to form online at treasury.gov, or call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484. The IRS also advises residents to forward scam emails to phishing@irs.gov, average of 3.5, receive no grade below a "C,” have no withdrawal grades and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for the semester. her job but to her children as well. Her work on the School Committee as well as clerk for the Board of Selectmen and her involvement in the food pantry. For all of the years I have known her, she was always there to advise you or point you in the right direction and help you when she could. The town has lost a fine person and loyal employee. She will be greatly missed. and to not open attachments or click on links in those emails. If you are ever unsure about a potential scam, contact the Saugus Police Department at 781-941-1199.
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