Real Case in Social Engineering Competition
If you have been affected by a romance scam, the first thing to remember is not to panic and not to let any feelings of hopelessness and shame prevent you from seeking help. Then, you should start to plan a path for recovery
- The most important step to take is to report the incident. There are a number of resources that romance scam victims can go to for help, including:
- Local police department
- The AARP Fraud Watch, who have a helpline at +1 (877) 908-3360
- The FBI and US Attorney’s Office- you can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, at www.ic3.gov.
- The US Federal Trade Commission also has a website for fraud reports, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- To potentially recover money lost in a romance scam, if you paid through wire transfer, gift card, or credit or debit card, you should collect all pertinent documents, and contact the company or bank to ask for a refund.
Recovering emotionally in the aftermath of a romance scam is also often difficult, but there are some key points to remember:
- You are not alone. Nearly 70,000 people in the U.S. reported a romance scam in 2022.
- It is not your fault. You shouldn’t feel guilty for the malicious actions of someone who takes advantage of you or your loneliness.
- This is a learning opportunity – now, you know the signs of romance scams to protect yourself and your loved ones in the future.
- Many romance scams happen to people who are lonely and need someone to talk to. If you are feeling lonely, you can explore an activity or hobby that you enjoy to connect with people, or look for groups of people who share common interests with you.
- You should also seek help from trusted family and friends, who can provide support.