Are you locked down at home, but looking for love? Now, more than ever, people are turning to dating websites to find companionship. But don't be blinded by love: Soulless scammers are out there in cyberspace just waiting to take advantage of lonely hearts.
Hi. I'm Andrea Avery, United States Postal Inspector. Here's how these romance scams work: First, you post a dating profile and, then, like magic, a match pops up. Your match is good looking, personable, smart and looking for love - just like you. Your match lives in another part of the country or might be working abroad or away in the military. But your match is smitten with you and wants to get to know you better. 
As the romance progresses, you make plans to meet in person. But something always seems to prevent it. Then your match drops the bait. An emergency has come up. It's a medical problem or a business crisis. Your online companion needs you to wire money immediately. He or she promises to pay it back. You take the bait and send the money. You've been hooked. Your money is gone. 

These romance scams are filled with warning signs. For example:
-	The picture your new romantic interest sends you looks like a model right out of a fashion magazine.
-	Your romantic interest wants to communicate only through email or instant messaging. 
-	The scammer lavishes you with attention and manages to always say just the right thing. 
-	Promises are made to meet in person, but there is always an excuse to cancel.
They say love is blind. But don't be blinded by a romance scam.
Proceed slowly
Check out the person - and the picture.
Don't send cash. Despite the promise to pay it back, you will never see it again. 

If you think you're dealing with a scammer, report it to the dating app and file a fraud report at U-S-P-I-S dot gov slash report. Don't give up on love. Just give up on scammers.