On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, the Arizona Attorney General’s office put out a warning cautioning citizens against getting scammed by fake online romances. An investigation found that scammers from Ghana were using fake profiles on social media and dating websites to lure potential partners into wiring money overseas for supposed medical or travel expenses. So far, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been able to stop certain transfers and return $14,000 with seizure warrants.

“Scammers who prey on people’s emotions are using these online dating scams more frequently,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “The scammers will often spend weeks building a relationship with a victim before asking for money for something like a medical procedure or a trip to meet in person. You always need to be cautious when you meet someone online, particularly if they’re from another country.”

The Attorney General’s office reminds you that you should never send money to someone you do not know personally. According to the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, you are likely a victim of a scam if you have experienced any of the following indicators:

-You met a friend/fiancé online.
-Your correspondent professed love at a fast speed.
-You’ve never met face to face.
-You are promised repayment upon the inheritance of gold or gems.
-Your friend/fiancé is plagued with medical or other life problems requiring loans from you.
-You’ve sent large sums of money for visas and/or plane tickets, but the person cannot make it out of their country.
-When your friend does try to leave the country, he/she gets into a car accident or is detained by immigration officials demanding payment, bribes, or proof of a certain amount of cash on hand for travel.