8 | SUN CITY CORE COURIER | FEBRUARY 2025 |
By Norma Zermeno, General Manager
Many of us are looking for love this Valentine's Day. However, there
are just as many people out there who are ready to take advantage of
that desire. That is why you must be aware and may want to avoid
the "Sweetheart Scam."
This scam can be done in-person or online. The person behind
the scam convinces someone that they are in love. By using emotion,
they bilk money from the unsuspecting person. Unfortunately, often
times, it is an older person who is seeking companionship and is,
therefore, more vulnerable to the scammer.
Here are some points provided by the National Center on Elder
Abuse:
• Check the privacy policies of matchmaking companies (dating
site) before creating a dating profile.
• If you use a dating site, check the person you are matched with.
For example, you can do a Google search to see if what they say
is true.
• Don't give out too much personal information in a profile or
provide it to anyone that you've only chatted with online.
• If someone asks for money or bank information where it usually
has to be wired or by credit card, DO NOT DO IT! Report it to the
police department and Adult Protective Services as a Sweetheart
Scam.
• Are you getting serious with a person and considering living
together? It's a good idea to see a lawyer to draw up a contract
about paying bills and handling other financial responsibilities
in case you break up. If they are serious about being with you,
then this should not be an issue.
If a date or partner harms you physically, emotionally, sexually,
or financially, then contact the police and file a complaint. This is
domestic violence. Also, contact the National Domestic Violence
Hotline at 800-799-7233 or www.thehotline.org/help.
If you would like additional information or resources, contact the
National Center on Elder Abuse at www.ncea.acl.gov.
Stay safe everyone!
BEWARE THE SWEETHEART SCAM
