Scammers target people across different demographics on every internet dating sites possible. This means that regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or preferred platform no one is off-bounds to a scammer. With the rise of internet dating sites, scammers cast an even wider net for potential targets and automate much of the process by using bots to lure victims into scams.
Clickdate gathered some warning signs so you don’t waste time with frauds, and instead can focus on the possibility of real love.
Your date looks like a supermodel
Online dating scams usually start with an attractive person initiating contact through social media or dating sites. A common theme is that catfishers use picture of models, actors or a member of the beautiful people club. Most catfish scams will use an attractive profile picture to keep the victim hooked and to make them want the fictional person to be real. If a profile picture looks way too good to be true, it’s simple to check if the image is real.
They’re a perfect match
It may be that you’ve just met someone who loves all the things you do and that’s great if that’s the case. They can either pick a personality type that they think will appeal to their mark or choose to mirror the person they are trying to ensnare.
They don’t have a digital footprint
It’s getting harder and harder to go through life without leaving a digital footprint so finding no trace of a person can arouse suspicions. That’s not to say that you need to have blazed a trail across the internet to be a real person. However, it can be suspicious if you can’t find any trace of a person.
If they never post pictures of themselves in social situations or with friends, it can also be a bit fishy.
They come on strong
If someone starts declaring their undying love for you after a couple of weeks, it could be a sign that they may be trying to catfish you. They may also try and get you off a dating site and into the realm of texts, instant messages or email as soon as possible.
That’s not to say that you can’t develop a deep connection with someone in a short time. However, it’s a bit suspect if they’re talking marriage after a third online conversation.
They’re afraid of video calls
One of the consistent things about fraudsters involved in dating scams is that they refuse to have conversations by webcam. Texts, messages or even phone calls are all very well but a video conversation seems to be a pretty simple thing to arrange.
They live far, far away
Obviously, the chances of getting into a long distance relationship is higher if you’re using an online service and chatting to people from all over the world. That’s not to say that anyone who isn’t from your street is a crazy fraudster.
However, fraudsters will naturally try and cultivate long distance relationships because it means they have an excuse not to meet with their target.
The ask for money
Common ruses involve asking for money to visit the target of the scam, giving victims a tale of woe about a medical emergency or serious illness, or some other convoluted financial difficulties that require a sudden injection of cash.
