Romance scam webinar set for Valentine's Day

Scammers are using dating sites and social media to lure many into predatory romantic relationships that rob victims of their life savings and often leave them emotionally devastated.

Last year, Americans lost a record $547 million to romance scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. One Iowan, Jane, is among those who lost money to an online suitor. Read her story here.

To address these scams, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, as president of the National Association of Attorneys General, will host a public panel, "Romance Scams: Broken Hearts and Empty Pockets" on Valentine's Day.

The panel will feature experts from federal agencies, the online dating industry, and a senior advocacy group who will discuss romance scams and share information about their efforts to address the cons.

Panel experts include:

Buddy Loomis, Senior Director, LE Ops & Investigations, Match Group

Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support, Fraud Watch Network, AARP

Matthew J. Reynolds, Supervisory Special Agent, Economic Crimes Unit, FBI

Dan Rutherford, Associate Director, Office of Customer Education and Outreach, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Andrew Cederdahl, Assistant Attorney General, Iowa Attorney General's Office, moderator

This webinar - hosted from 2 to 3:30 p.m. CT on Monday, February 14 - is free and open to public. Register here.

Events and Activities : Romance scam webinar set for Valentine's Day

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