Operation Senior Shield warns about romance scams

Staff report

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With Valentine’s Day approaching, Operation Senior Shield warns that not every message of affection is genuine, especially from a new acquaintance who asks for money.

In confidence scams, fraudsters exploit trust built through friendship, social networks, or professional relationships. They manipulate victims into investing in fake opportunities, loaning money, or sharing personal information. These scams often unfold over weeks or months to lower skepticism. The goal is to gradually extract money or sensitive information.

Red Flags:

• Requests for financial help are framed as urgent or confidential.
• Stories that seem overly personal to gain sympathy and trust.
• Pressure to act quickly without independent verification.

Tips to Avoid Confidence Scams:

• Verify any investment or financial request independently before acting.
• Be cautious of individuals who quickly try to build trust and request money.
• Discuss suspicious requests with a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor.

Where to Report a Suspected Scam:

• Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873, or myflfamilies.com/services/abuse
• Report online/internet crime to IC3: https://complaint.ic3.gov/
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
• Florida Office of Inspector General:
• https://legacy.myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact?Open&Section=Citizen_Services, or 1-866-9-NO-SCAM
• The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General: oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud, or 1-800-447-8477

This Valentine’s Day, protect what matters most.