The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to stay alert as reports of romance scams continue to rise in the community.
According to a recent announcement, the department regularly receives complaints involving this type of fraud. These scams often start on dating websites or social media platforms, where con artists pose as potential romantic partners to build trust before asking for money.
“Romance scammers create fake profiles… then they make up a story and ask for money,” the Sheriff’s Office warned, citing information from the Federal Trade Commission. Victims are typically asked to pay for fake emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses—most often using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
The scams can be devastating both emotionally and financially. In 2021 alone, reported losses reached $547 million nationwide, with gift cards as the most common payment method and cryptocurrency losses proving the costliest.
The department emphasized that scammers often say they can’t meet in person, claiming to be overseas for work, in the military, or tied up with international organizations. Once trust is gained, they apply pressure to send money quickly and in untraceable ways.
Residents are advised never to send money or gifts to someone they haven’t met in person. The Sheriff’s Office also encourages anyone who suspects a romance scam to stop all communication with the individual, talk to a trusted friend or family member, and report the incident to law enforcement.
“Knowledge is power,” the agency said. “Together we can Slam These Scams!”
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