Beware Dating Scams

Online dating scams, also known as romance scams or romance fraud, occur when someone believes they have made a connection or match through an online dating site or app, but the person they are talking to is, in fact, a scammer using a fake profile

• . These scammers pay close attention to the information you share and don’t miss a beat becoming your perfect match
• They will seem genuine, caring, and believable, and their intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear themselves to the victim, and gain trust
• Eventually, they will ask for money, often claiming to be in the building and construction industry and engaged in projects outside the U.S.

.Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to a romance scam:

• Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly
• Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you
• Be wary of excuses for not meeting in person, such as claiming to be on a faraway military base or offshore oil rig worker
• Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met in person, especially if they ask for it
• Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture to see if it’s been used elsewhere on the internet
• Be cautious of people who quickly profess their love for you or want to move the relationship forward too quickly

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To spot a dating scammer, here are some tips based on the search results:

1. You can’t find information about them online.
2. They quickly tell you they love you (i.e., “love bombing”).
3. Too perfect — especially in photos.
4. Always traveling or live far away from you.
5. Refuse to video chat (or always cancel).
6. Constant family or personal emergencies.
7. They try to isolate you from friends and family or pressure you to make impulsive decisions alone.
8. They ask for your personal information, like your location, work place, or email address.
9. Review the person’s profile for red flags like stock photos, overly high income, or age gaps in their preferred partner. If they seem too good to be true, they probably are.
10. Ask them to have a video call, or to meet you in person. Scammers are most often unable or reluctant to show you their faces.
11. Be cautious of people who quickly profess their love for you or want to move the relationship forward too quickly.

Remember, if you suspect that someone is a dating scammer, do not send them money or personal information. Instead, report them to the dating site or app and to the Federal Trade Commission.

Romance scammers use a variety of stories and excuses to trick their victims into sending them money. Here are some common ones based on the search results:

1. They claim to be in the military or working on an offshore oil rig, making it difficult to meet in person
2. They have a sick child or family member who needs medical attention
3. They have a financial crisis and need money urgently
4. They claim to be wealthy and successful, but need money to access their funds
5. They have a dramatic backstory or tragic past
6. They surround themselves with accomplices who pose as business partners, lawyers, or doctors
7. They use fake photos and identities, and sometimes even assume the identities of real people
8. They refuse to video chat or meet in person
9. They try to isolate you from friends and family
10. They quickly profess their love for you or want to move the relationship forward too quickly

Remember, if someone you meet online asks you for money, it is likely a scam. Be cautious of anyone who tries to isolate you from your loved ones or pressures you to make impulsive decisions alone. If you suspect that someone is a dating scammer, do not send them money or personal information. Instead, report them to the dating site or app and to the Federal Trade Commission.