You might have heard about successful dating online, but not all of them end up that way – some take a sinister turn into lies and deception. Today, we are diving into a topic that is becoming all too common: romance scams.
Yes, those tales of connections formed on dating apps and social media that take a twist towards manipulation and fraud. Read on to learn what romance scams are, how they work, and how you can stay safe from them:
What are Romance Scams?
A romance scam, also commonly referred to as an online dating scam, happens when an individual is deceived into thinking they are in a genuine romantic relationship with someone they met on the internet.
However, the reality is that their supposed partner is actually a cybercriminal who assumes a fake identity. This impersonator gains the victim’s trust, ultimately aiming to manipulate them into providing money.
Here are some common types of romance scams:
Fake Dating Sites
These “dating sites” appear genuine but are either underpopulated or swarming with scammers. They prompt users to divulge personal information, often disguising it as a profile questionnaire. Some even offer premium memberships in exchange for completing surveys containing financial questions.
Inheritance Scams
Scammers claim they need to marry to inherit gold worth millions that their father, or grandfather left behind. After establishing trust, they request funds for various purposes, promising to travel but never actually arriving.
Sugar Daddy Scams
The fraudster pretends to be an affluent individual seeking to provide financial support to a younger person in exchange for online companionship. After establishing trust, they request an upfront payment or personal data before supposedly sending the agreed-upon allowance.
Military Romance Scams
These involve scammers adopting the identity of a real soldier or creating a fake military profile. They use military terms and details to establish a deep emotional connection. As the bond strengthens, they request money for various reasons, like setting up internet connections, covering medical costs, or a flight back home.
Malware Scams
In this type of romance scam, the victim engages with a scammer who sends them what appears to be a genuine website. However, this site is designed to inject malware onto their device.
Related Read: How to identify and avoid scam websites
How Do Romance Scams Work?
Romance scams are all about playing the long game, a carefully crafted dance of deception. These schemers scour online dating sites and social media services, hunting for those feeling a bit vulnerable. Once they have found their target, they unleash their charm, compliments, and understanding to forge an emotional connection.
They lure you in with shared interests and heart-to-heart conversations, all designed to make you feel like they are your soulmate.As the virtual relationship deepens, their tactics take a darker turn. They will stage events that tug at your emotions like a sudden medical tragedy to bring you emotionally closer together.
That is when the request for financial help comes knocking. They skillfully tap into your feelings, leaving you feeling obligated to lend a hand.
6 Warning Signs of Romance Scammers
Identifying a scammer can be challenging, especially when emotions are at play. While you likely have a grasp of typical online behavior, it is crucial to remain vigilant against the subtleties of an online dating scam.
If you are seeking ways to recognize potential scammers and protect yourself, watch out for these unmistakable signs that a cybercriminal might be attempting to manipulate you.
Rapid transition to romance
Romance scammers tend to accelerate things to a serious romantic level almost immediately. Showering you with excessive flattery, they might claim to be head over heels in love or your soulmate. This emotional escalation typically happens early in the interaction.
They steer clear of video chats and dodge face-to-face meetups
You will often find scammers come up with endless excuses to evade cameras. It is pretty clear, they do not match their profile picture and want to stay hidden to dodge any tracking down later.
They claim to live far away
To keep their identities hidden, scammers opt for long-distance connections, which makes for a perfect excuse to avoid in-person meetups. This buys them time to manipulate and build trust. They often spin stories of hurdles in meeting up, and in some cases, might even convince you to cover travel costs, only to cancel plans in the nick of time.
They hit you up for money
The ultimate sign of a romance scammer is when they pop the money question. After weeks or even months of grooming and manipulation, they will ask for money. They might come up with all sorts of excuses, but the answer you should give is a firm “no.”
They have a perfect profile
Catfish scams rely on captivating photos, often swiped from actors, models, or stock images. If a profile pic seems too good to be true and their interests suspiciously align with yours, it’s not just a coincidence. This is their deliberate ploy to draw you in.
Their stories don’t add up
If they are lying to you, then they might slip up and forget their own lies. Plus, scammers often work in groups, with different folks sharing the same persona. So, if the person you are chatting with seems all over the place, do not ignore that nagging feeling. If their story keeps changing and does not match their earlier claims, that is a red flag.
How to protect yourself from romance scams
Protecting yourself from romance scams requires a blend of caution and awareness. Scammers exploit emotions to manipulate victims. To safeguard against this, take these steps:
Run a background check
Before you get too caught up in the whirlwind of online romance, it is crucial to ensure that they are truly who they claim to be. Take a gradual approach to the relationship, allowing the connection to develop organically.
Do not hesitate to ask a barrage of questions – about their interests, experiences, and even their daily routines. This not only helps you understand them better but also serves as a means to uncover any discrepancies in their stories. Stay on high alert for inconsistencies in the information they share; these can often be telltale signs of a scam.
Never send money if you haven’t met them face-to-face
Steer clear of sending money or divulging financial information to individuals you haven’t met face-to-face. If someone you’ve connected with online requests money, it’s a red flag for a potential scam.
Cease communication immediately and reach out for assistance. Be cautious not to share sensitive details like bank information or identity documents, regardless of the duration of your online interaction.
Set up a video chat or meet up
Arrange an early video chat or meet up as soon as possible to confirm their authenticity. This interaction is a reliable method to verify their identity. If they evade or avoid this opportunity, it could be a strong indication that you’re dealing with a potential romance scammer.
Be mindful of what you share
Avoid sending private pics or videos to strangers – scammers can use them against you. Keep your online relationship open with friends you trust; their input can be eye-opening. Also, watch out for oversharing personal stuff like hobbies or job info – scammers can twist these details to their advantage.
Take things slowly
When it comes to forming connections online, proceed at a comfortable pace. Take the time to get to know potential partners, and do not hesitate to dig deeper and address any irregularities you come across. Remember, if someone is sincere, they will not pressure you to quickly escalate the relationship to a more intense level.
Frequently asked questions
What does a romance scammer do?
A romance scammer crafts a whole new online identity just to reel in their unsuspecting victim. They play with emotions like a pro, all to build trust and then start dropping hints about needing cash for all sorts of made-up emergencies.
How do you know if someone is romance scamming you?
Look out for signs like moving too fast emotionally, dodging face-to-face hangs, spinning lots of excuses, telling stories that just do not add up, and asking you for cash frequently.
Final Word
So there you have it, a journey through the twists and turns of romance scams in the world of online dating. Remember, not all that glitters is gold in online relationships. As you swipe, chat, and connect, keep your wits about you. Watch out for those too-good-to-be-true profiles and the rapid emotional rollercoasters. By embracing caution and arming yourself with insights, you are not just swiping left or right – you are swiping smarter!
Hunain Muhammad
August 21, 2023
9 months ago
