Romance Scams
Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.
The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. Con artists are present on most dating and social media sites.
The scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.
Scam artists often say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person—and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.
If someone you meet online needs your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using your account to carry out other theft and fraud schemes. The most common dating scam is military romance scams. With military romance scams, fraudsters may use the name and likeness of an actual soldier or create an entirely fake profile.
If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Corona Cares
Corona Cares is a community-based volunteer program providing a range of services to neighbors to enable them to remain in their homes independently, comfortably, safely, and with dignity.
The volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy, errands; friendly visits and wellness checks; friendly phone calls; and caregiver relief.
We have a supply of assistive devices for temporary or permanent use. This includes wheelchairs, transport chairs, basic walkers, seat walkers, knee walkers, canes, shower chairs, and gait belts. These devices have been donated by the community for the community.
For further information, you can contact the coordinator, Ellie Abraham, at 520-395-9327. This is a landline, meaning it is voice only, no texting. Leave a message if no one answers. You can also email coronacares@cox.net. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The office is closed on holidays that fall during the week.
By Ellie Abraham
