Today’s technology has made meeting people worldwide easier than ever. However, with this convenience comes the potential for scammers to exploit unsuspecting people online. Romance scammers are particularly dangerous because they prey on trusting individuals looking for a connection. So how can you tell if the person you are talking to is a romance scammer? This blog will teach you the signs of a romance scammer and how to avoid romance scams altogether.
How Can You Tell A Romance Scammer?
Romance scammers use many tactics and techniques to lure in their victims, but there are some common warning signs that you should be aware of:
- Ask For Money – One of the biggest red flags for romance scammers is that they will ask for money. This could come as an emergency or a request for help with bills or expenses. Be wary of anyone who asks for money before you have even met in person.
- They Are Too Good To Be True – If someone seems too perfect, it may be too good to be true. Are they constantly complimenting you without any basis? Do they express strong feelings early on without getting to know you first? These can all be signs that something isn’t right.
- Don’t Want To Video Chat – When it comes time to video chat, does your match always have an excuse for why they can’t do it? This could be another sign that something isn’t right and that the person is not whom they say they are.
- Ask You To Send Gifts – If someone asks you to send them gifts or expensive items, this could also be a sign that something isn’t right and that you are talking to a scammer.
- Their Story Doesn’t Make Sense – Be wary if their story doesn’t add up or make sense when compared with other things they have said about themselves or their life situation. It may indicate that the person lies about who they are or where they live.
How To Avoid Romance Scams?
One of the first signs that someone may be trying to scam you is if they start expressing strong feelings for you early in the relationship. While it’s not unheard of for two strangers online or via an app to hit it off quickly, beware if someone professes their undying love for you after only a few days or weeks. A legitimate relationship should progress naturally and not move too quickly.
Another way scammers often try to extract money from victims is by getting them to share personal information such as bank details or social security numbers. Never share confidential information with someone you don’t know well, even if they tell you a sob story of why they need the money — it could be part of a scam. It’s also important not to publicly give away too much personal information, such as your home address or phone number. This makes it easier for scammers who know how to use public records databases and other resources to dig up more information about you.
It’s also essential to research before meeting anyone online. Perform a reverse image search on any pictures they post online, check their name against public records databases like ZabaSearch, and look up any contact information they provide to ensure everything checks out and the person is real. If something seems wrong about the person or their story, trust your instincts and don’t proceed with the relationship further.
How To Stop Romance Scams?
The most effective way of stopping a romance scam is to get help immediately. Unlike experts, victims are not equipped with the tactics to combat these scams. That said, instead of trying to handle the scam on your own, try and do the following:
- Document as much evidence as you can
- Avoid sending any more money
- Report the romance scammer on the platform you two met
- Contact your credit card and bank company to see if you can get your money back
- Make a report to your local police, Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and cyber investigators
Summary
Awareness of these warning signs can help you spot a potential romance scammer from miles away, protect yourself from being taken advantage of online, and learn how to stop and avoid romance scams. If something doesn’t seem right or someone asks for money before meeting in person, consider it a red flag and move on!
Your safety should always come first when using online dating sites and apps, so stay alert and trust your instincts! If you need assistance today, call us so we can help you start the path to recovery.
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