Could true love have finally come your way? Just when you thought you have found the love of your life, something happens to send shivers up your spine, or at the very least, cause you to think twice. Could you be a victim or target of one of the many online dating scams on the internet? Every day, people find themselves being fooled by someone claiming to be someone they are not. A seemingly innocent flirtation ends up with someone being swindled out of large sums of money, or in possible danger. There are a number of warning signs to be aware of when it comes to online dating scams. If you are armed with a little bit of knowledge, you will be able to tell the difference between a legitimate love interest and a con. Even on the most reputable of dating websites, danger can be lurking. Many wonderful relationships have come out of online dating websites, and the information provided below will enable you to avoid the online dating scams and search for true love.
Discover the Signs of Online Dating Scams
There are many warning signs of online dating scams that you should be on the lookout for when “speaking” with a potential partner over the internet. Some of these signs may seem like common sense while others may surprise you. The most common dating scams are listed below:
1. Unclear communication, poor or inconsistent grammar, and improper use of language. This may signal the respondent is from another country.
2. The style of messages or communications change from time to time. This may signal more than one person is responding to the correspondence.
3. Quick or immediate reply time of under 30 minutes. Is the respondent always available to answer right away? That may be a sign that many people are “monitoring” the emails.
4. Are you being asked a lot of personal questions with very little information being provided in return? The e-mailer may be fishing for information.
5. The flip side of number four is that too much personal information is shared, and may become escalated over the course of the communications, resulting in an emergency situation where you can be of help – usually with money.
6. Someone asks you for a loan or advance of a paycheck or tax refund. Never, ever offer or send money!
7. A photo looks too good to be true – it probably is a fake.
8. The respondent says they are an American citizen working in another country. This is a common ruse.
9. Some online dating scammers search for people who are recently widowed or divorced. Grief is a powerful victim.
10. Beware of emergency situations that arise regarding accident or health concerns. Again, these are ploys to separate you from your money.
11. You are asked for personal details that don’t seem as though they are a normal part of dating. Examples – bank information, personal finances, credit card information, and social security numbers.
12. Avoid private meetings. Never meet someone privately the first time. Do not arrange to be picked up. Drive your own car to the very public meeting place, preferably during daylight hours. Always let someone know where you are going and who you are going to meet, with as much information as possible. Casually let the correspondent know that you have told a friend about them and your meeting.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to avoid online dating scams in your search for true love. Make the connection with care!