Valentine's Day. A time where love is in the air, florists work overtime, and restaurant tables are as scarce as a truthful politician. But as we're busy swiping right in hopes of finding that special someone, cybercriminals are swiping left...on your security. Heartbreak hits differently when it's your bank account that's been ghosted.
The Lonely Astronaut: A Romance Scam Odyssey
Imagine this: you're online, and suddenly, you're in contact with an astronaut. Yes, a space-faring, rocket-riding, possibly tang-eating astronaut. They're alone, floating in space, and somehow, amidst their interstellar travels, they've fallen for you. The only thing standing in the way of your cosmic love story is a small issue of unpaid space parking tickets. Just a few thousand dollars should clear that right up.
Sounds absurd how anyone could fall for that. But, it’s what happens somewhere almost everyday. Granted not with astronauts, but with a far-flung prince, a military hero in dire straits, or just an unusually attractive person stuck in a peculiar, money-solving bind, and you've got the makings of a classic romance scam.
How These Star-Crossed Scams Work
- The Setup: Criminals create compelling backstories. An astronaut might be a bit much, but a soldier or a wealthy international businessman? Believable.
- The Bait: They shower you with affection and promises. They're masters of manipulation, so it feels like a rom-com, but with worse acting.
- The Ask: Then comes the crisis. They want to visit, but oh dear, their ludicrously specific situation prevents them from accessing their funds. Could you, their newfound love, possibly help?
Protecting Your Heart (And Wallet)
- Keep Your Feet on the Ground: If your online love interest’s story sounds like it was written by a committee of soap opera writers, it’s probably not legit.
- Money for Nothing: Never send money or give out financial information. If they ask, it's a bigger red flag than at a matadors' convention.
- Reality Check: Use reverse image searches on profile pictures. If your significant other is actually a stock photo model, it might be time to rethink your relationship.
Remember, Valentine's Day is About Love, Not Loss
As humorous as some of these scenarios might seem, falling victim to a romance scam is no joke. These heartless cyber-cupids prey on emotion, turning a search for love into a costly lesson.
This Valentine's Day, let's focus on keeping both our hearts and wallets secure. If an online admirer ticks any of the scammy boxes, it's okay to say goodbye. After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea, and most of them aren't con artists.
To all the singletons and lovebirds out there, navigate the online dating scene with caution this Valentine's Day. Your bank account will thank you, and who knows, you might just avoid dating an astronaut in distress.
New-school Security Awareness Training is critical to enabling you and your IT staff to connect with users and help them make the right security decisions all of the time. This isn't a one and done deal, continuous training and simulated phishing are both needed to mobilize users as your last line of defense. Request your one-on-one demo of KnowBe4's security awareness training and simulated phishing platform and see how easy it can be!
