{"id":1568,"date":"2025-03-25T19:59:49","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T19:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nicholls.edu\/police\/?p=1568"},"modified":"2025-03-25T19:59:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T19:59:49","slug":"beware-of-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nicholls.edu\/police\/2025\/03\/25\/beware-of-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware of Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"

There as been an increase in scam attempts targeting victims seeking affection. While this can be targeted to any age group, there have been a number of reports from targeted college students. Don’t fall victim to these scams.<\/p>\n

Romance Scams\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

In romance scams, a criminal uses a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and\/or steal from the victim.<\/p>\n

The scammer wants to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear themself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.<\/p>\n

The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts\u00a0at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable. Con artists are present on most dating and\u00a0social media sites.<\/p>\n

Scam artists often\u00a0say they are in the building and construction industry and are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person\u2014and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fee.<\/p>\n

If someone you meet online needs your bank account information to deposit money, they are most likely using your account to carry out other theft and fraud schemes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Protect Yourself\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n