The National Consumer League defines the "Sweetheart Swindle" as a long process where a scam artist nurtures a relationship in order to get a money out of their victim. Scams like this are now on the top 10 scam list for the National Consumer League. The NCL says the average victim loses more than $3,000. The NCL says scam artists look for victims in online chat rooms and on dating services. The scenarios differ, but they often center around some sort of tragedy that the scam artists says happened to them.

Here are a few red flags the National Consumer League says you should look out for:
1. If the person asks you for money, or if you'll cash a check or money order.
2. They tell you they love you almost immediately.
3. They claim to be a u-s citizen living abroad, or someone who is well-off.
4. They claim to be a contractor and need your help with a business deal.