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In today’s digital world, building new relationships online has become more common than ever. But when love and money mix, danger often follows. One particularly heartbreaking financial fraud is the Sweetheart Scam - a deceptive tactic where scammers prey on emotions to gain access to your finances and steal your money! 

What Is a Sweetheart Scam?

A sweetheart scam begins innocently enough—someone meets you on a dating site or social media and starts a seemingly genuine relationship. Over time, they gain your trust and affection. Once the emotional connection is strong, they make a financial ask: maybe it’s to help with an emergency, deposit a check, or even allow them access to your online banking (OLB).

These fraudsters are convincing. They often:

• Refuse to meet in person
• Say they’ve fallen in love quickly
• Ask for money, gift cards, or use of your bank account
• Ask you to deposit checks or wire funds to them

Real-Life Example

Barbara thought she had found true love. She had been chatting online for nearly a year with someone who said he wanted to marry her. One day, he asked her to let him deposit his "payroll" check using her online banking account. Then, he instructed her to wire the funds to help with “their future plans.” Unfortunately, the check was fraudulent, and once she wired the money, she was left responsible for the loss

Warning Signs Loved Ones Should Watch For

Scams like these don’t just impact the victim. Friends and family members should stay alert for:

• Sudden behavioral changes
• Secretive financial transactions
• Overly romantic stories that don’t quite add up

If something feels off, it probably is.

Protect Yourself

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Talk to your bank if anything feels suspicious – your banker is happy to help.
• Pause and verify before acting on any financial request tied to an online relationship.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a sweetheart scam or any type of financial fraud, contact your bank immediately. They will be able to help with things like securing your account, stopping suspicious transactions when possible, and guiding you through what to do next.

You should also report the scam to one or more national agencies for further support:

- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – File a report and get recovery tips

- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – Especially helpful for online scams

- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Learn your rights and get prevention tips

- AARP Fraud Watch Network – Tools and support for older adults

- National Center for Victims of Crime – Emotional support and victim resources

At Citizens Bank & Trust, we’re here to protect your finances—and your peace of mind.
Small Bank. Big Difference.