Online scams have become increasingly more common over the years, especially with the rise of online dating.
Benjamin Schrope is acting director at the New Mexico Securities Division. He says scammers take on a fake identity to conceal themselves from the victim.
鈥淚t isn't necessarily just limited to one person, it can be an organized group pretending to be a particular individual, in an attempt to steal or manipulate money from somebody else,鈥� he said.
Often scammers prey on the elderly or people who are craving companionship. They鈥檙e also trying to get personal information. Schrope says the approaches can come through dating apps, social media like Facebook, and even your phone.
鈥淪omebody texts somebody and pretends like it's an accident. And that person texts back and before you know it, there's some interchange or communication back and forth,鈥� he said.
detailed these particular scams, called 鈥減ig butchering,鈥� which originated in China and went global during the pandemic.
Schrope says there are a few precautions you can take to keep yourself safe. Do a quick google search of someone鈥檚 name. Don鈥檛 give someone your personal or financial information online. Be suspicious if they say they can鈥檛 meet in person.
鈥淏e concerned if somebody you've met online, introduces you to some app or website, that's going to make you money,鈥� he said.
And when someone offers you an investment, 鈥淚f it's too good to be true, it probably is,鈥� said Schrope.
New Mexico Securities Division has a as well as a toll-free, (800)-704-5533, and local number, (505)-476-4580, where you can report any suspected scams that come your way.
