US citizens must be aware of persons they meet on online who confess romantic interest, feign friendship, or express marriage intent online. As we know, the online services is gradually becoming popular which catches the interest of millions of lonely hearts. With thousands of members, it becomes easier to find your dream man or woman. Nevertheless, among those thousands of members are crooks looking for vulnerable hearts to be victimized.
How Dating Scam Typically Works?
Everything typically begins when someone who claims to be interested on you and starts communicating. They will typically sent you their profile or picture you can read. Oftentimes, they also tend to present their account in attempt to alleviate any suspicion. For weeks or even months, they will try to get your trust in any way they can. They may either sent you gifts or any presents. And ultimately, your new found ‘friend’ will share some emergency situation and ask for money.
Of course, because you have already trusted him or her, you will send money. Rest assured, the requests for financial help will continue. The hardships will elevate- either they need to go out of the country or need a package. They will ask for financial aid over and over again until you realize it’s a fraud.
Scammers Targets the Vulnerable
Fraudsters usually target US people with disabilities, widow, widowers and anyone who shows vulnerabilities. Scammers typically take advantage of the vulnerabilities of these people in order to generate money.
For example, swindlers are fully aware that vast majority of widows or widowers receive money upon their spouse’s death and are typically emotionally unstable. Consequently, scammers will set up their own account on a particular website claiming an identity as a widow(er)s to gain their potential victim’s trust and afterwards will ask for money..
In fact, according to a recent study 34% of older Americans ages 65 and above are more likely to be at risk and lost money on financial scam. Moreover almost one in every 20 elderly participants is reported to have been financially exploited.
Elderly woman and man usually have higher risks. But they are not the only person who might become victims of swindlers. Everyone who shows emotional vulnerability can be caught on the trap. A person who is longing for love might eventually believe when someone express romantic interest. Similarly, people with low self-confidence are more likely to get moved by flattering statements and attention.
The anonymity of online dating sites indicates that US citizens will not be able to determine whether or not the person’s profile indicates their real name, age, nationality, marital status or even their gender. This is taken by swindlers on their advantage to create online characters and entice other correspondents.
Correspondents who immediately move into intimate discussions, expressions of passionate or romantic interest are usually a red flag for being scammers. People who are looking towards building good relationship, thereof, need to be cautious when dealing with person who easily displays attention and affection.
Read this : Internet dating and scams
