The Internet Crime Complaint Center is warning consumers about a romance scam that said it had a connection with the center.
Consumers filed complaints with the center – a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National White Collar Crime Center, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance – against a dating site on two issues.
Issue 1. Potential suitors stating they were out of the country and in need of money contacted consumers. The suitors then claimed they were affiliated with the center, and they’d been “interrogated and investigated.” The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to never wire money to people they don’t know.
Issue 2. Consumers had difficulty canceling their free membership and were never able to get in contact with the company.
The BBB gives the following advice when dealing with free trial offers:
- Get business contact information.
- Avoid companies that won't provide basic information, such as the full business name and address.
- Research businesses. Visit www.bbb.org to get a BBB Reliability Report.
- Get information in writing. Don't rely on verbal promises.
Enjoy dating, but be careful about the websites you select.
