How to Spot a Dating Scammer: 5 Tell-Tale Signs

Dating scams are a type of online fraud, in which criminals pose as desirable partners on dating sites or email, win the hearts of their victims and end up fleecing them of their money. With the rise of dating apps, scammers cast an even wider net for potential targets and automate much of the process—using bots to lure victims into scams.

A dating scam is a type of online fraud in which criminals pose as desirable partners on dating sites or email, win the hearts of their victims and end up fleecing them of their money.

Here are five tell-tale signs to help you spot a romance scam:

1. The scammer is quick to call it love: Romance scammers are quick to profess their love for their victims. They may even send gifts or flowers. Be wary of someone who professes their love for you too quickly.

2. The scammer's profile contains vague or few images across platforms: Scammers often use fake photos or take photos from other people’s social media profiles. If the profile has few or vague images, it could be a sign of a scam.

3. The scammer asks for money: A common tactic of dating scammers is to ask for money from the victim, often in the form of gift cards or wire transfers. Be wary of anyone who asks for money or financial information early in the relationship.

4. Allow relationships to develop slowly and naturally: If someone is pushing you to meet in person or talk on the phone before you’re ready, it could be a sign of a scam. Take your time getting to know someone and allow relationships to develop naturally.

5. Set up a video chat to verify their identity: If you’re suspicious of someone’s identity, set up a video chat to verify their identity. This can help you avoid being scammed.

More items:

• Be wary of someone who is overly complimentary or romantic.
• Look out for inconsistencies in their stories.
• Be wary of someone who claims to be from a different country.
• Don’t give out personal information such as your address or bank details.
• Don’t send money or gifts to someone you’ve never met in person.

Dating scams are becoming increasingly common, but there are ways to protect yourself. Be aware of the tell-tale signs of a scammer and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away.