LITTLE ROCK – As Valentine’s Day approaches, Attorney General Rutledge is warning Arkansans to remain cautious of online dating romance scams. Would-be suiters take advantage of people looking for romantic partners on dating websites and social media. The fraudsters pretend to be romantically interested in their victims, only to build trust to then lure and access an individual’s personal and financial information. This is commonly referred to as a sweetheart scam or romance scam.

“Romance scammers often target and exploit elderly seniors and widowed Arkansans looking for companionship and love – only to steal their life savings,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “I see this scenario all too frequently, and I urge consumers to avoid a heart-breaking tragedy by not sharing financial or personal information with anyone they do not know personally."

Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips for social media users:

• Share your hopes and dreams, not your salary and bank information.

• Be honest about your expectations, not your pin number.

• Reveal your hobbies, not your passwords.

• Open your heart to love, not your wallet to a sob story.

• Plan to meet in public, not in a private, secluded or an unknown place.

• Talk about your favorite vacations, not when you’re leaving town.

• Hope for the best in others, but don’t ignore red flags.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Attorney General’s Office at [email protected] or visit ArkansasAG.gov.