Dangers Involved In Online Dating
Online dating has become a lifestyle in the past few decades. Millions of people use online dating websites and apps to find their significant other. While there are many success stories of people finding love online, there are also stories of people who have become victims of an online dating scam.
Online dating scams, also known as romance scams occur when someone believes they have created a connection through an online dating service, but the person on the other end is a scammer using a fake profile with wicked intentions. These romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites, applications, or social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, etc. They initiate a relationship with their victim to build trust by talking or chatting with them regularly to seem genuine. The scammer manipulates the target to gain their trust. With time they ask for money or anything they wish from the victim.
Regardless of the website or app, the fraudster may use, online dating scams almost follow a similar pattern. Creating a fake online profile is the first thing to do. Scammers often steal pictures from an already existing person’s social media or dating account.
Once the scammer finds a target, they quickly move forward with the relationship. They are quick in expressing their love and want you to communicate off the dating app and ask to share your mobile number.
Over time when they have gained your trust, they will start asking you for personal details, gifts, or monetary favors. The scammer will create some elaborate scenarios where they need your help with some issues they are going through. They can also try to get you to invest in a cryptocurrency app or to sign up for some website.
Throughout the relationship, they will find ways to ignore you, meet you in person, or even do a video call. Even if you have their mobile number you will not be able to get to them whenever you want.
The ultimate goals of online dating scams can vary from scammer to scammer. It is not always monetary theft only. No matter what happens you’ll be left embarrassed and out of any money.
Unfortunately, the risks of online dating are actual. Here are some online dating scams, frauds, and schemes circling the internet.
Overseas romance scams
The scammer pretends to be doctors, developers, or military personnel posted in another country to seem more genuine. They send messages using professional jargon, titles, and base locations, which sounds impressive to anyone. Once they successfully manipulate the target emotionally, the requests for money start. It can be for getting a reliable internet connection, paying for the tickets back home, or any medical issue. These scammers often work in teams. Overseas scams can appear so convincing and genuine that it can take months or years before victims finally sense something shady.
Intimate activity scams or Sextortion
Intimate activity scams leave victims broken emotionally and financially. Here, the victim is approached by potential suitors and after a decent courtship period, the scammer asks the victim to connect with them via webcam to have a video chat or ask to send nudes. In most cases, the fraudster’s camera is broken or not working for some reason. They heap praise on their target and convince their partner to perform intimate acts like getting undressed or engaging in some sexual activity. The scammer then reveals their true intentions and claims to have a recording of the intimate act. They threatened the victim to share the video and pictures online unless the victim sends money. Once the victim complies, the cycle of extortion begins, with time demands increase until the victim finally refuses and takes legal action.
Fake dating sites
Fake dating sites are dating websites that claim to provide legitimate matches but are either uncommonly underpopulated or flooded with scammers. The main agenda of these sites is to mine your data. Always look out for sign-up questionnaires that are light on dating details but loaded with questions about finances or personal information about your life.
Some free online dating sites may seem legitimate at first but after a duration. They can offer you premium membership for free or some other perks just in exchange for completing a survey. These surveys can have questions similar to those used for banking and finances. Once you fill-up the form you have granted the scammers access to your private and financial details which they can use as per their will.
Also, do not fall for the influx of attention soon after you have created a profile online. If you start getting lots of random messages from potential matches, the chances are you have stumbled across dating site fraud.
Code verification scams
The most common online dating scam is a code verification scam. The scammers encourage you to click on the third-party link to verify your account. Once you click through, you will have a questionnaire asking for your details like name, phone number, address, email, social security number, and banking details.
Code verification scam is also one of common Tinder scams. You can receive an email or text claiming that Tinder is updating its records and it needs you to verify your account. In some cases, the Tinder match can ask you to verify via code before further communication.
Malware scams
Malware is a regular threat online, including on dating sites. You may be redirected to a web page that contains malware and spam that can allow scammers to steal your data, leading to identity theft and financial fraud. Malware can scan your device for sensitive details like banking information, or even lock you out of your device until you pay a ransom. Generally, Redirecting to another site on a dating website is considered a potential red flag.
Inheritance Scams
The scammer pretends that they have a huge inheritance to be claimed, but for that, they have to pay some kind of fee to get it released. Scammers claim to have money issues because of which they are not able to pay the fee and need your help. They manipulate you emotionally and once you send them money they vanished.
Catfishing
In catfishing scams, a fake online dating profile is created using attractive pictures as bait to lure the victims into a relationship. These profiles often seem too good to be true, yet their targets continue them ignoring all the red flags and end up losing money to a fraudster.
Online dating scams often prey on vulnerable users. It is important to stay safe online and using a comprehensive antivirus solution can protect you against hackers, viruses, and malware. Awareness about online dating scams is a must for everyone using any online dating site or app. By understanding these scams and knowing how to avoid fraudsters you can bypass romance scams and find a blissful genuine connection online.