Financial and Internet Scam Information
The Consular Affairs Bureau receives daily calls about international scams involving Internet dating, inheritance, work permits, overpayment, and money-laundering. Many scams are initiated through the Internet; victims range in age from 18 to 81 and come from all socio-economic backgrounds. While such confidence schemes have long existed, the advent of the Internet has greatly increased their prevalence. Individual Americans have lost considerable money on these scams, ranging from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Victims of financial scams generally do not recover any of the money they lost. However, victims should report the crime to a number of government agencies. Victims may also need emotional support to address the trauma of being a crime victim. The State Department does not investigate international financial crimes.
For more information on financial scams and assistance to U.S. citizens abroad, please visit the Department of State’s travel website.