Romance Scams on the Rise: How to Avoid Being a Mockingjay

The Lonely Hearts' Dilemma

In a world where even finding love is a scam lonely Americans fall victim to online romance scams that cost them billions of dollars annually. Talk about being caught in the Capitol's trap.

A Love Connection...or a Scam?

"We need the social media companies to shut down these people that are putting these out there. We need law enforcement engaged to try and prosecute some of these folks. Unless you put a bad guy behind bars that guy is gonna keep doing what he's doing," said Paul Benda sounding more like President Snow than a banking executive.

Faking Love Stealing Money

These criminals often from Southeast Asia don't just catfish lonely individuals. They go full on Capitol style by setting up phony social media avatars to seduce their unsuspecting victims. It's like getting reaped into a relationship you never signed up for.

The Deceptive Power of 'Love'

With hours of texting each day and the illusion of a burning romance these scammers quickly capture their victims' hearts. It's like a twisted version of the Quarter Quell but instead of tributes it's hearts that are sacrificed.

From Love to Empty Bank Accounts

"Some of the scams I've heard of they literally have people draining their bank accounts to send the scammer everything that they have," revealed Paul Benda. It's like volunteering as tribute but instead of fighting for your life you're giving away everything you have for an illusion.

Financial Institutions in the Crossfire

Banks find themselves in a tough position legally obliged to give customers access to their funds even when they suspect they're being scammed. It's like being trapped in the Arena unable to save yourself or others from imminent danger.