Today’s Sound Off is about online romance:
Dear Heloise: I hope I can save someone else from the mistake I almost made. It’s a long story, but I established a romantic, long-distance relationship with a man overseas by signing up on an online dating service. He was very romantic and asked that we move offline because his membership was ending. He seemed very nice, and he would email me almost daily with all sorts of sweet, comforting things to say. He sent me flowers and flattered me, but something was off. I could just feel it.
After five months, he said he needed $12,000 for emergency surgery. He asked me if I could help him. I seriously considered it, but my best friend stopped me. So I told him “no.” He begged and cried, claiming he’d die without it. The following week, he said he’d found a doctor in France who would operate for free, but he needed plane tickets and money for expenses. I said, “No, and don’t call me again.”
After doing some research, I found that romance scams are alive and well. Several sites warn people not to send money to your online lover for plane tickets or any medical/surgical needs. Do not pay to retrieve anything, do not purchase them a computer or a cell phone, and do not pay their bills. If they say they need help with paying their bills, say “no.” It’s not your problem.
