Online dating apps are now the number one way for people of all ages to connect with potential new partners. However, this rise in popularity has also led to an increase in romance scams, where fraudsters use fake profiles to prey on people who are looking for companionship. These scams can be emotionally devastating and financially harmful, particularly for older adults, who are often targeted due to a perception of vulnerability and financial stability. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Common scams to watch out for:
Fake profiles: Scammers often create fake profiles using photos of attractive individuals to draw people in. These profiles may seem too good to be true, and often they are. Be cautious of profiles that look overly polished or simply don’t seem real.
“Love bombing”: It’s common for scammers to shower their target with excessive affection and praise very quickly, often claiming they’ve never felt this way before. This tactic is designed to create a fast emotional bond, making it easier to manipulate their victims later on.
Excuses to avoid meeting: Fraudsters will find reasons to avoid meeting in person, claiming they are travelling for work or dealing with an emergency. If someone consistently cancels plans or refuses to meet, it's a strong sign that they may not be who they claim to be.
Requests for money: Once trust is established, scammers often ask for money under various guises, such as needing funds for medical treatment or travel expenses. They may also ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency, which are hard to trace and recover.
Tips for staying safe:
Take it slow: Be wary of anyone who pushes the relationship to move too quickly. Scammers often rush the emotional side of the relationship to create a sense of urgency, which can cloud your judgement.
Keep communication within the app: Fraudsters often ask to move conversations off the dating app to private messaging platforms like WhatsApp or email. Keeping communication within the app offers a level of security, as many dating platforms monitor for suspicious behaviour.
Don’t send money: Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story may be. Scammers often exploit emotional connections to trick victims into financial assistance.
Reporting scams
If you believe you’ve encountered a scammer, report the individual to the dating app immediately. Most apps have built-in features for reporting suspicious profiles. The faster you act, the more likely it is that you can prevent the scammer from targeting others.
Many people who fall victim to dating app scams feel embarrassed to report it. However, these scammers are highly skilled at manipulation, and there is truly nothing to be ashamed of. Scams like these can happen to anyone, and reporting the fraud not only helps you but can also prevent others from becoming victims. Remember, it’s always better to seek help and share your experience than to suffer in silence.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
