The primary reason people lose money in online relationships is online dating scams, which have cost people more than $475 million since 2019, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Common red flags can help you spot a fake. Also, be careful of anyone who asks for money, gift cards, or personal information that can be used for scams.
Do Not Become a Phishing Victim
Do not give out personal or financial information to anyone you do not know to avoid scams and other forms of social engineering. When talking to someone you do not know well, consider using a different email or instant message account from your main account. This will keep thieves from accessing your private information if they steal your passwords or phone numbers
Most scammers only have a few pictures or use fancy stock photos, and their accounts do not have any professional or other work-related information. If their spelling needs to be corrected or their words are grammatically correct, it could mean that they did not write them themselves. You can also use a search engine to see if their name or picture shows up on websites that report romance scams.
Scammers often use investments or chances that sound too good to be true, like cryptocurrency or inheritances, to make their requests seem more real. Another thing they might say is that they can not meet up in person because they are traveling or on military duty abroad. They may also try to keep you away from family and friends or demand embarrassing or private photos as a form of blackmail.
Deceptive Techniques
When you go on an online date, remember that not everyone is what they say they are. Unfortunately, many people out there want to take advantage of people looking for companies because they are weak. When date scammers talk about investments or chances that sound too good to be true, this is one of the most common things they do. They might speak of cryptocurrency or inheritances to make their requests sound more reasonable.
Sometimes, these things are true, but you should be careful when someone you just met starts talking about them. It is best to step back and think about the situation if they seem too eager or pushy to spend money or share personal information.
Dating scammers often say they can not meet in person, which is another common trick they use. Their excuse might be that they are traveling or on military service abroad, making it hard to meet in person. People may have good reasons for not being able to meet right away, but it is still essential to be aware of the signs that someone is trying to scam you.
Be careful if someone you have been talking to online starts asking for money or personal information. Do some study on the person you are talking to before you send them money or give them private information. You can keep yourself and your money safe from dating scammers by being alert and knowing the tricks they use.
