The Parsons Police Department is warning citizens of what they call a sweetheart scam. PPD says they have been made aware of a scam related to social media and large, promised sums of money. An individual connects online through a social media site with their victim.

Often the scammers are targeting those individuals who are new singles or individuals who have recently lost a spouse or partner. The scammer cultivates a relationship and then talks about wanting to come to the area to see their new companion. As the scammers develop more trust and deeper connections, they begin asking for items from the victims, such as money for airline tickets, funds to pay for customs for items for the victim or other sums of money related to travel plans. In reality, the gifts do not exist and the scammer has no intention of coming to Kansas, just gaining access to the victim’s money, and perhaps even personal information that could result in identity theft and other serious issues.