x
Breaking News
More () »

York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office warns of 'romance scam'

York-Poquoson deputies said that after investigating, they learned the suspect was actually in Texas, and "James Allen" was not the suspect's real name.
Credit: tuan_azizi
(Credit: Thinkstock)

YORK COUNTY, Va. — The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a romance scam.

On Monday, deputies were called to the 300 block of Bolton’s Mill Parkway for a report of threats to kill. The victim told officials that she met someone on a dating app Plenty of Fish.

The suspect identified himself as James Allen. The victim and Allen talked, and while they did the victim gave Allen personal information, including her address. Also during their conversations, Allen told the victim that a reverend he knew fell on some hard times. Allen asked the victim if she could send $3,500 to him out with the $6,500 debt he owed on his mortgage.

When the victim wouldn't give Allen the money, the victim said he made multiple threatening calls. Deputies said he even sent a picture of her home, and he threatened to show up and shoot her in her face.

York-Poquoson deputies said that after investigating, they learned the suspect was in Texas and James Allen was not his real name.

The Federal Trade Commission said millions of people turn to online dating apps or social networking sites to meet someone. However, sometimes instead of finding romance, many find a scammer trying to trick them into sending money.

RELATED: FTC says millennials more likely to report fraud than people 40 and older

RELATED: Romance scams have most reported losses for victims, FTC says

It's reported by the FTC that the medium reported loss to romance scams is around $2,600, which is seven times higher than other types of fraud.

The FTC said scammers claim they are:

  • Working on an oil rig
  • In the military
  • A doctor with an international organization

Usually, the romance scammers ask their targets for money to:

  • Pay for a plane ticket or other travel expenses
  • Pay for surgery or other medical expenses
  • Pay customs fees to retrieve something
  • Pay off gambling debts
  • Pay for a visa or other official travel documents

The best advice the FTC had to avoid losing money to scammers is to never send money or gifts to people that you haven't met in person.

If you think it’s a scam, report it the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

Click here to learn more about romance scammers.

Before You Leave, Check This Out