Marketplace, jobs, rentals and romance · stamped ROMANCE

The sweetheart on the oil rigROMANCE

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
MMessenger×
https://www.messenger.com/t/
LMLinda MoreauMessenger
It was so nice meeting you at book club on Tuesday!9:41
You too! I'm still thinking about that ending9:42
Ha, me too. Would you like to get coffee on Sunday at the Main Street Café? Around 11?9:42
Message Linda Moreau
ScamROMANCE
MMessenger×
https://www.messenger.com/t/
DHDavid HarlanMessenger
Good morning my love. I know we have never met, but I feel so close to you. Two more months on this oil rig and I will finally hold you.9:41
Good morning! I miss you too9:42
Honey I have a problem. My bank card is blocked out here and I must pay a $2,800 customs fee for my equipment today or I lose my contract. Can you buy Apple gift cards and send me photos of the backs? You are the only one I trust.9:42
Message David Harlan

Always check the request.

A sweetheart you have only met online, always far away, suddenly needs $2,800 in gift cards. Someone who really loves you never asks you for gift card codes.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

Linda, who you met in person at book club.

David, who you have only ever chatted with, "working on an oil rig".

2What it asks you to doCheck firstDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Coffee on Sunday, in a café, face to face.

Buy $2,800 in Apple gift cards and send photos of the backs.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

No money, no rush.

A "blocked bank card" and a fee that has to be paid today.

RememberIf someone you have never met in person asks for money, gift cards or crypto, it is a scam. Every time.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

Take the testNext scam: The better-than-the-bank rupee swap →