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Tech Report: Te'o Case Highlights Online Dating Scams

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The recent story of Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and his nonexistent girlfriend has sent out warning signs about the dangers of potential online dating scams.

Although the story is far from over and it may take some time to truly sort out the details, it highlights the fact that there are plenty of cases of people who have fallen victim to dating scams online.

In many cases, these scams involve someone looking to profit monetarily. The federal government issued its own warning last year, as the FBI posted a web page, Beware of Online Dating Scams, on Valentine's Day. It gave tips for those in an online relationship and what they should be looking for to protect themselves against these scams.

Tech Report: Te'o Case Highlights Online Dating Scams

The U.S. State Department also has issued tips for those who might be getting scammed.

Many online dating sites, like Match.com and eHarmony also warn users about meeting in public places and to never give out a credit card number or any other private information to someone you meet online.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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