LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her Romance Scams Consumer Alert in advance of Valentines Day, to educate residents on common scams found on social media and dating platforms. 

“It is imperative that you always exercise caution with what you share online and never send money or sensitive data to someone you have not met in person,” said Nessel.  

Online romance scams take advantage of people looking for romantic partners on dating sites, apps, or social media. The con artists quickly profess their love for their victim and often claim to be in the military or working abroad to explain why they are unable to meet in person.   

Here are some tips for avoiding romance scams: 

• Use reverse image search websites like TinEye and Google Images to see if their image shows up somewhere else 
• Never agree to open a bank account, or re-ship goods they send to you 
• Don’t send money, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you met online 
• Communicate only through the specific app and avoid giving out personal phone numbers or email addresses 
• If someone appears on your social media and rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down and talk to someone you trust before responding 

For more information about popular consumer scams, or if you believe you’ve been a victim, residents can contact the Consumer Protection Department Monday-Friday at 877-765-8388 or complete our online complaint form. 

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