How To Identify Dating App Scams

By Douglas Scott


Advance in technology has changed how people meet and establish long-term relationships. It is possible for people to start relationships after meeting online on various dating sites. However, not everyone is lucky to find a partner online. Some people have bad experiences due to dating app scams which are on the rise. Online scamming is widely spread on dating sites because there is potential for getting personal and use it to get money from unsuspecting individuals.

Whether you have membership in any dating site or plan to sign up for membership, it is wise to familiarize yourself with common attributes online con artists possess. Many victims of scamming are old, but it does not mean young individuals are safe from conmen. Anyone is vulnerable to scamming, the most important thing is to stay away from a scammer immediately you notice strange behavior.

The age difference is a common indicator, the person you are talking to is a scammer. Online con artists target older people because they are more vulnerable compared to the younger individuals. Old people are more focused on getting partners to overcome loneliness. They fail to pay attention to some fraudulent characters posed by conmen, that is why scammers take advantage of their vulnerability and technology illiteracy.

Most sites have a strict rule, members should only share personal contact details when they feel comfortable with potential partners. However, scammers insist on talking using other communication mediums such as short message services or email. They never agree to talk via video chat or phone. Online conmen possess bad characters such as being dramatic, rude and erratic. It is evident you are a victim of a scam if your new prospect claims to love you after few days or weeks of talking.

Profile pictures tell a lot about an individual, make an effort to review profile photos posted on dating sites. In most cases, scammers post photos that do not match details such as location, age, and height. They upload photos of other people from social media platforms. If you feel suspicious of photos, save a copy and run it on Google reverse image search. This helps you determine if photos are legit or stolen from other innocent individuals on social media sites.

Review emails and texts sent by other online users. How an individual writes is a factor you should not overlook. Keep in mind that majority of scams are committed by non-English speakers, they have little understanding of basic English. Conversations are full of spelling and grammar mistakes when dealing with a scammer.

While most online users are eager to meet potential partners face to face, scammers avoid this subject. A scammer will hesitate to meet you physically by giving excuses. If you insist to meet them physically, scammers request you to cater for transport expenses. Chances are you are dealing with a scammer if the person does not show up for a date multiple times.

Scams are filled with manipulative words which make victims more vulnerable. It is wise to stop any form of communication the moment you spot a scam. Set a rule of not sharing personal details or giving out any amount of cash before you meet face to face. This ensures scammers do not target you for any type of scam.




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