How To Avoid Online Dating Scams?

Published On : 03/09/2023

Online dating apps are abundant these days. After the global pandemic that left people stuck inside their homes, the usage of such sites has increased exponentially. However, most of these sites need a proper safety or monitoring setup for their users because it is easy to use fake people to register on these dating sites.

According to ExpressVPN’s guide, it is important to be aware of dating scams and learn how to spot a fake profile. The usage of online dating sites has increased globally throughout the years. Tinder is the most popular dating application in almost all countries, followed by Badoo and Bumble. However, even with the popularity of these sites, most do not have a way to ensure each user is legitimate.

How Online Dating Scams Take Place?

When it comes to online dating scams, they usually take place by trapping an individual into sending another person money. But these scams do not just stop there; there are multiple other ways scammers cheat people on online dating sites.

It is also notable that most users think that they are capable of weeding out fake profiles. However, if someone is creating an account to scam users, they will put in the effort to create a legitimate profile. This increases the dangers of using online dating sites.

Common Online Dating Scams

If you are using multiple dating sites, it is a given that you would have landed upon at least one or two fake profiles or accounts. You might have noticed multiple accounts that are using pictures of other people. These profiles are essentially dead giveaways. There are probably more such profiles that are simply well hidden.

Some of the most common dating scams happen to users looking for long-term relationships. Usually, people who have just recently gotten out of relationships are more prone to being emotionally attached to a new person. This has resulted in a massive rise in love scammers that lure in unsuspecting people under the pretense of dating them.

One of the most common online dating scams is the intimate activity scam. Scammers try to trap victims into a romantic bond so that they are willing to share explicit pictures. Scammers try to blackmail people by coaxing them into sharing personal images and trying to get money from them. Due to this reason, some platforms do not allow sharing of images.

Similarly, some scammers try to create a strong bond before asking for help under the guise of a medical or family emergency. They will then try to ask for money for housing and food from their victims. Some users even pretend to be military personnel stationed outside the country.

Another common way to scam users online is by sending them links that could initiate a malware attack. These links are as simple as a dating link bio and seemingly non-threatening. However, once clicked, malware is automatically downloaded on the device, which could result in a data breach. Scammers also sometimes create clones of the original dating platforms so that users can register on the platform. This way, scammers can get personal or financial information from users quickly.

Protect Yourself Against Online Dating Scammers

To protect yourself against dating scammers, you must always be aware of potential dangers. Try to protect your personal information. Do not agree to indulge in monetary transactions with anyone on an online dating site. Also, remember not to share intimate pictures to avoid the possibility of blackmail and extortion.

Try to keep track of your conversations by taking screenshots. Knowing the social media platforms of the people you’re talking to is also beneficial. Make sure to report any accounts that are asking you for any sort of monetary transaction. If you have already made a payment, you can contact your bank to reverse the payment.

Additionally, do not share your pictures or location with a scammer. This could inherently put you in danger. Investing in firewall software could protect your device and personal information, even if you open a malware link. 

It is a given that people get emotionally attached to users on online dating sites. That is also the reason victims are more prone to falling for such scams. If you have been a victim of such scams, we suggest you seek professional help to help you recover from the trauma.

Conclusion

It is common for users to fall into the trap of scammers through online dating apps. There is no way for users to confirm whether someone is trying to scam them for money. More often than not, these scammers try to lure people before they get suspicious of their actions. Even though many people are aware of the dangers of online dating apps, it takes work to spot a scammer on such apps. Users must try to keep records of all their conversations in case something malicious happens.

Jessica Weisman-Pitts

Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.