Happy Valentine’s Day! Protect yourself this Valentine’s Day by avoiding these romance scams that are popping up all over the internet. Each day it seems like there is a new app for finding love, and with each new app someone finds a way to exploit the people who use it. Don’t fall victim to these ruthless people.

How can you tell you’re being scammed?

Each year thousands of people fall victim to romance scammers. They start out looking to find love and end up with a broken heart and empty bank account. Don’t be their next victim. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Most romance scammers are seasoned at telling lies and they won’t flinch to tell you what you want to hear (and they are brilliant and knowing what you want to hear). They’ll text you sweet nothings, and send meme after meme to keep you entertained. They will seemingly reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings with you, but it is a scam.

Signs You’re Being Scammed

It’s moving too fast – Most people who have been scammed report that the relationship moved disproportionately fast with scammers declaring their love right out of the gate and often before even meeting the other person.

They’re out of town – Most scammers, though not all, aren’t even in the same town. They’ll tell you they are in the military and out on tour or they’re traveling for business.

They Ask for Money – Money is the whole purpose of the scam, your money to be specific. Scammers will ask for money for an emergency such as a sick relative, broken vehicle, or they need airfare to come and meet you. Don’t fall for it and never wire money. Don’t give out your bank information or credit card numbers.

If you think you’re being scammed, you probably are. Dating sites take these scams very seriously and have avenues for you to report suspicious behavior. Don’t worry about hurting their feelings, they aren’t worried about yours. Report suspicious behavior to the dating site and let them investigate. You may save someone from becoming their next victim.