Millions of individuals use online matrimonial and dating services worldwide to find a life partner or, sometimes, to deal with their loneliness. And this is the chance that dating fraudsters worldwide wait to take advantage of a person’s emotional condition for financial and other material benefits. However, 63% of daters claim it is now more difficult to develop romantic relationships after the pandemic. And yet, according to ExpressVPN, close to 51 million Americans use online dating services, and the number of accounts is expected to increase to 53.3 million by 2025. The last thing you want while looking for a companion is to end up with a con artist.
In this article, we’ll go through the risks of online dating, how to identify a scammer, the most prevalent online dating scams, and how to prevent them.
What are Online Dating Scams?
Online dating scams are dishonest behaviours on dating websites or apps, where con artists establish false profiles to trick and exploit gullible people. The objective of these scams, which may take many different forms, is often to instil a false feeling of confidence in the victim so they would eventually part with money or personal information.
Online dating scams may leave victims with terrible repercussions, including monetary loss, psychological harm, and even identity theft. While utilising online dating services, you must be aware of these frauds and take precautions to keep yourself safe. In the United States alone, dating apps have 50 million users, which accounts for 15 per cent of the worldwide total of 324 million. This number is expected to climb to 53.3 million by 2025.
Common Online Dating Scams
The following are a few common online dating scams:
Catfishing: When a con artist fabricates an identity using another person’s photos and personal data, this practice is known as catfishing. They could impersonate someone else by using false profile images, identities, and other information to trick victims.
Fake profiles: With a false identity, scammers may build false profiles on dating websites or mobile applications. One in ten dating profiles is fake. Male profiles are 21% more likely to be fake than female accounts. They could establish contact with the victim using stolen images and private data.
Romantic scams: Before seeking money from the victim, con artists establish an emotional relationship with them. They could put on a love interest act and manipulate the victim’s emotions to gain their trust.
In terms of profitability, romance fraud is second to investment fraud. The two frauds account for 70% of victims’ losses due to social media scams. A lady from Australia lost $80,000 after falling for a military romance scam set up by a 22-year-old Nigerian guy.
Scams involving money: Scammers will encourage their victims to transfer money to them in the name of a reported crisis or to invest in a fake business opportunity. To induce the victim to transfer money, they could use pressure techniques like haste or emotional blackmail.
Signs of Fake Dating Profiles
These are some warning indicators of online dating scams:
Request for money: A classic indication of an online dating scam is when the person you’re speaking to begs you for money. This might take many forms, such as pleas for financial assistance with meeting bills, assistance during an urgent medical situation, or investments in entrepreneurial ventures.
Poor spelling or grammar: Many online dating fraudsters are foreign-based, so their English may not be flawless. If someone who claims to be a native speaker sends you a message with bad grammar or spelling, it may be a red flag that they are not who they say they are.
Unclear or inconsistent information: Fraudsters may withhold information regarding their history or personal lives. They could also avoid responding or diverting the conversation when approached directly for information.
Moving too quickly: If someone appears to be moving too quickly in a relationship, for example, by making a declaration of love or by asking for personal information right away after a meeting, it might be a warning sign.
Refusal to video chat or meet in person: Scammers may be reluctant to do so because doing so would betray their genuine identity.
Too good to be true: It’s crucial to exercise caution if someone’s profile or communications appear too good to be true. Scammers may employ attractive words, lavish gifts, or implausible claims to win their victims over.
How To Protect Yourself From Online Dating Scams?
Research the person you’re speaking to: A fast online search might provide additional information about the individual you’re speaking with. See if anything pops up by searching their name, photographs, and any information they’ve shared with you. See whether they share any friends with you on their social media pages.
Don’t share personal information: Never give out important personal information to someone you meet online for the first time, such as your home address, phone number, or bank information. Don’t provide additional personal information until you’ve gained the other person’s confidence and a true relationship.
Use trustworthy dating sites and apps: Use only popular, reliable dating websites and applications. To assist consumers in avoiding fraud, these platforms often have security measures, such as verification procedures and reporting methods. Free or less well-known platforms should be avoided since they could not have as many security precautions.
Trust your instincts: Follow your gut and stop the discussion when something or someone appears suspect or too good to be true. Scammers may use attractive words, lavish gifts, or implausible claims to win their victims over. It’s better to be cautious and stop communicating with someone if you feel uneasy or uncertain about them.
Conclusion
Online dating risks may seem daunting, but that is no excuse to give up on it. Be careful who you interact with until you verify their identity to keep yourself safe. Moreover, keep an eye out for the evident signs of common online dating fraud. Always use caution, do thorough research, and believe in your gut. If you encounter a con artist, report their profile to the dating website or app and immediately cut off all contact with them. With caution and common sense, you can remain safe while exploring the fascinating world of online dating.
