EUGENE, Ore. — Eugene police are warning residents about in-person romance scams after an elderly man nearly gave $3,000 to a woman he recently met.
According to the Eugene Police Department, the man was eating dinner alone at a local restaurant last week when a woman approached him and said she recognized him from a local grocery store.
Police said the woman, who was about 30 years younger than the man, appeared to be romantically interested in him. The man bought her dinner.
Eugene police warn of in-person romance scams after elderly man nearly loses $3,000
Several days later, the two met again for dinner. Police said the woman told the man several stories about financial hardships and said she needed $3,000. The man had also given her $50 earlier that day.
The man agreed to provide the $3,000, but his bank was closed for Labor Day and he was unable to withdraw the money, according to police.
The man later became suspicious and contacted a Eugene Police Department Community Engagement Specialist to ask whether officers believed he was being targeted by a scam. Police advised him that it was a scam.
Eugene police said in-person romance scammers may approach potential victims and pretend to recognize them from somewhere. Scammers may also attempt to quickly develop a relationship, discourage victims from discussing the relationship with family or friends and eventually ask for money.
Police said romance scams can disproportionately affect older adults because fraudsters may target people they believe are lonely.
EPD advises people not to give money to a new romantic interest who asks for financial assistance. Anyone who is unsure whether they are being targeted by a scam can contact their local law enforcement agency.
Police also encourage victims to report suspected scams. EPD said reporting an incident could help prevent others from becoming victims because fraudsters may target multiple people.
The Eugene Police Department’s Community Engagement Team offers free scam awareness classes to the Eugene community.
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