Valerie K: I met someone on an Internet dating site late August, and fell head over heels with this man. Long story short, I am the most gullible individual in the world. He has taken approximately $15K from me over time until about a month ago, as I kept him close thinking I could find somebody that could help me, but I am disabled. I thought this person was legitimate, but he has taken money I needed for surgery and to pay bills, as I don’t make too much per month. How could I have known?
JW: If you become involved with someone through the Internet, remember that you do not know the person, no matter how much you chat online, and no matter how much they sweet-talk you. Con artists are able to trick unsuspecting people into thinking they are interested in a long-term relationship, and over time they gain your trust and use that trust to rip you off. I’m sorry that’s happened to you. We turned to The National Consumers League for some tips on how to spot what they call a “sweetheart swindler,” and here’s what they came up with:
- Beware of anyone who asks for money, or who asks you to cash a check or money order for them.
- Watch out for anyone who says they are abroad, or who claims to be well off or of some important status.
- If they tell you, “I love you,” almost immediately after meeting you, consider this is a warning that you could be dealing with someone who’s questionable.
- Trust your instincts; if you have a funny feeling about someone you meet online, there’s a good chance you’re right.
8 Comments on "How Can I Avoid Online Dating Scammers?"
Lydia Lopez
How do I go about reporting an online money scam from someone I met online.
Latoya
Is it wise to give man/woman that you met online your address, what school you go to
"Concerned"
” Never give anyone online your personal information”; let your loved one know what you are involved in; seek the advise of those who you trust. Learn to discern and focus on what the person online or in the chat room is trying to get from you! Your overall guidance should come from the bible, and not a stranger; signed: Concerned!
Blan
I agree with all that “Concerned” wrote. Just remember what your parents taught you, even if you are elderly.
Donna S
Be cautious: I have chatted with many who claim they live in USA & are in another cntry like Africa. 1st sweet talk “I love you, Can’t wait to meet you, (how can anyone love somone if they never met) Send $$ (if they live in the USA they must have $ to get to Africa therefore they should have $$ to get home), Or they ask if you can set up a bank account an a friend will transfer $$ to you in which you deposit into your account & western Union the $$ back to them, which their friend can do that themselves, they can come up will different reasons, from picking up a family member, settling an estate, etc. never give out personal info, full name, address, phone # etc. Follow your gut feelings
LEIGH P.
I work as a correctional officer and I can tell you never trust anyone you can’t see face to face. Then don’ t always trust them. GOD gave you instincts trust them. Even if you have strong feelings for someone those instincts will kick in , believe me.
Nisha
I think how you can kind of tell if someone is up to no good. Is when someone ask you for something up front and they do not know you or if they haven’t known you long. I never invite people to my house if I do not know them. meet people in a public place. Their are people i have been knowing for years and they still can not tell you where i stay you have to use your head now and days because it is not like it use to be. Tell people where you are going if you do leave w/ someone new.
Mary Jane
My situation is the same as Valeria K . I met someone on line from the USA I am from Canada and we became friends for two years. He never asked for anything until recently . He said he had a sick Son and needed to have some money orders cash for him. Not thinking and trying to help out - I did cash them and now I am out for 7000.00 Us Dollars. They where Us Postal Money Orders -which I am still have of many more. I have gone to our local Police , but they say they cannot help me out. How can I go about in finding out how to stop this person, since I still have information on him.
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