Internet dating can be a wonderful way to meet people. It's low-pressure, personality-focused, and a lot of fun. But just as in real life, not all of the people you meet online have your best interests at heart. And just as you would when meeting singles in person, it's important to use caution when meeting single people online. There are a lot of less-than-honest people out there looking to use online dating to scam lonely singles out of their money. What do you need to avoid scammers? First, you need the ability to recognize one.
In general, dating scammers use the following process to lure unsuspecting online daters into their trap:
1. They post a fake online profile with a very attractive-looking photo.
2. They send out profile responses in bulk to a large number of users. They generally include an email address, and unspecific references to your profile. In the email, they inquire if you'd like to get to know them better.
3. The scammer begins a written relationship with you, generally away from the online dating system or program you're using. Most communication happens via external chat, email, or via webcam.
4. The scammer starts asking for money. This happens in one of several ways: In one instance, after some time, the scammer will begin to talk about their personal situation and how difficult it is. This is generally a very complicated and emotional story meant to garner sympathy. They will request money in order to help them out of their situation, or even so they can meet you in person.
In another situation, scammers use a webcam to blackmail singles out of their money. Without showing their own faces, they ask lonely singles to take of their clothes and perform sexual acts in front of the webcam. They use the material gained from this to blackmail singles.
Avoiding Online Dating Scams
Of course, the biggest and most important step in avoiding being trapped by an Internet dating scam is... being careful! Don't send money to people you meet online, no matter how terrible their circumstances seem.
You can also avoid scams by watching for dating scam warning signs in any online dating profiles you come across. In general, the profiles of potential scammers are similar in many ways. They generally describe themselves as quite young, under 35 years old, and with no children. They claim to be a student or aspiring actress or model, and to be looking for a long term relationship. In short, they seem too good to be true.
There are also some warning signs to watch for in the responses your online profile receives. In general, if a person's profile is grammatically sound and written in good English, but the messages you receive are not, something may not be 100% above-board. Also, if the person you're speaking to promises sexy pictures in return for emailing them, or if they seem unwilling to continue communicating via the online dating website in which they posted their profile, a red flag should go up.
Think somebody may be trying to scam you online? Your best weapon against scammers is simply asking questions. Asking specific questions about the potential scammer's life, living situation, and area is an easy way to sift out the liars. If somebody you're dating online can't give straight answers to straight questions, it's time to leave them at the roadside.
Better safe than sorry, right?
SpiritedOne
44 / Female
Comments: 12
Posted on October 20, 2008, 3:45 pm
And then there is the older guy, who is widowed, and who lost his parents when he was young, and moved around a lot, and works in a business that sends him overseas where he gets stuck...and on and on it goes. I am amazed at the number of scam emails I have received with this same story line. And the all time best is the God sent me an angel through you! Keep it steady!!!
Tmr7865
46 / Female
Comments: 2
Posted on November 12, 2008, 11:13 am
There's also the one "my wife died, so I have been alone" story. I get alot of those. The english on these is spotty, and sometimes where they describe what they are looking for it says they are looking for a "man" where "woman" should be, like they copied it, or translated it wrong!! I feel for the people that fall for these!!!
Hot-Flash
53 / Female
Comments: 13
Posted on November 12, 2008, 2:22 pm
The ones from Africa, usually Nigeria, just break me up! I've actually been blessed by more angels than I can count. How anyone can fall for this crap is a mystery to me. Their entire letter is usually one great big long run on sentence, with nary a comment or period in sight. They also seem to think that all women just love to be called "baby" by someone they've never met! The sad thing is that people must actually respond to these otherwise why would they bother keeping up their constant barrage of nonsense? Although I agree with TMR7865 that I feel for people that fall for these, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Roses4mysoul
70 / Female
Comments: 21
Posted on February 4, 2009, 5:04 pm
I've found these emails usually begin, "Hello, Pretty". What?! Who does that? DELETE. Then I notify the webmaster, and voila! The profile is gone, instantly.
