Have you experienced engaging into the world of online dating and think you have finally met your ideal partner but found out that they aren’t the person they say they are? Does that person asks for money and you eventually gave their request? If yes, then you have been victimized by scam.
It’s now well know that dating online is becoming more and more popular nowadays. It promises an easy way to mingle with thousands of different person and met your perfect match in a short time manner. Nevertheless, this also provides crooks an opportunity to carry out their aggrieved plans. Usually after registration on an dating platform, you will be flooded with friendly request from numerous individuals who are also members of your chosen site.
Members typically come either from the same country or from different corner of the globe. Gradually, you find yourself hooked with them and build good relationship through constant, seamless communication via emails, texting, instant messaging or phone calls. As the relationship grow, your communication and exchanges also become more friendly and intimate.
Once the scammers are confident enough that they have gained your desire and sympathy for them, they will begin telling you about a particular problem and ask for help. The help is usually in the form of sending money. For instance:
- Their family members is severely ill and they don’t have enough money to pay the medical treatment
- In case they live on the opposite pole, they may arrange a visit and need needs money for travel costs.
After sending them money, scammers will typically keep coming back stating more complicated reasons and will ask for financial help. At some point, when the case involves sexual nature, scammers uses the photos (when the victim sent them sensual photos upon request) to threated the victim once they don’t give the money requested. Generally, they use emotional triggers to force the victim to give whatever they ask for.
How would you know you are a victim of romance scam?
- You have developed a good relationship with a person you just met online via phone calls, emails, and text messages
- Your new-found love looks like supermodel in pictures
- They ask too much question about you but less likely to tell you about themselves
- They quickly use endearments or call you by pet name.
- They prefer to communicate through texts and instant messaging rather than on the chat room or dating website.
- They refrain from answering basic questions such as about their work and their address
- They begin asking for money.
What to do if you have been victimized?
- Report it to the right authorities
- Break-off all the contacts immediately
- Report the scammer to the website operator
- Decline money requests.
How to protect yourself from Dating Scams?
To keep yourself away from scams, you need to be cautious and keep a keen eye for details. Know if the person worth your trust. Also follow your instincts. If you feel or think there is something wrong, then leave a room for doubt. Moreover, avoid sending personal details such as online account or credit card details.
Reading suggestion: Get safe online
