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Opinion

Love shouldn’t cost you money (or a gift card)

Peoria resident on modern dating and how to stay safe if you swipe right on a potential beau

OPINION — In the swipe-right era, vulnerability is the modern currency of connection. Sadly, where there’s openness, there are opportunists. Too many people are exploiting the kindness of those yearning for love — turning genuine affection into financial fraud.

We’ve seen it happen countless times: someone forms what feels like a heartfelt bond online, and suddenly there’s an “unexpected emergency,” a “business deal gone wrong” or — our personal favorite — a mysteriously stranded lover who just needs a little financial help.

Spoiler alert — that’s not love, that’s a hustle. And no matter how cute their profile pic looks, if someone asks for money, gift cards or crypto transfers, don’t walk away. Run like you’re late to brunch.

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