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Sweetheart scams, also called romance scams, are becoming more common. These scams can happen to anyone, and there is no shame if it happens to you or someone you care about. At Westerra Credit Union, we want you to feel informed and prepared. This guide will help you recognize the warning signs, understand what to do if fraud occurs and know how to support family or friends who may be affected.
A sweetheart scam happens when someone pretends to form a romantic relationship online or through social media, then asks for money or personal information. Scammers often create convincing stories and build trust over weeks or months.
If you notice any of these red flags, pause before sending money or sharing personal details:
They avoid meeting in person and always have an excuse
They ask for money for emergencies, travel or medical bills
They pressure you to act quickly and say it is urgent
Their profile seems too perfect or their photos look like stock images
They want to move the conversation off the dating site to email or text right away
Sweetheart scams often target people who are lonely or looking for companionship. If you notice these signs in a family member or friend, check in with them:
They talk about a new online relationship but have never met in person
They seem secretive about the relationship or defensive when asked questions
They mention sending money or helping with financial problems
A caring conversation can make a big difference.
If you think you or someone you care about has been targeted, here are the steps to take:
Stop all communication immediately
Do not send any more money or personal information
Report the scam to the dating site or social platform
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Contact Westerra Credit Union if account details were shared. We will help secure your accounts
The following steps can help you guard against sweetheart scams and other types of fraud:
Use strong passwords and update them regularly
Enable account alerts in digital banking
Be cautious about sharing personal details online
Verify identities before sending money or sensitive information
Falling for a scam does not define you. It means you trusted someone, and that is a good quality. Scammers take advantage of trust, but with these tips, you can protect yourself and your money.
If you think you or someone you care about has been targeted by a sweetheart scam, contact Westerra Credit Union today. Visit WesterraCU.com or call us for support.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can sound exciting, but they’ve also become a powerful tool for scammers. A growing scheme is targeting people in our community, convincing them to withdraw large sums of cash and deposit it into Bitcoin machines.
Members should be aware of increased phishing activity where scammers are spoofing Westerra phone numbers to try to access personal information and account numbers from members.
Here is a list of common scams fraudsters use and what members should look out for during the holiday season.
Westerra is happy to announce that Kevin Kiernan has joined the team as our newest MLO.
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