As Valentine’s Day approaches, like countless others you may be thinking about love or romance. More and more people these days are looking to the internet as a means of finding a relationship, and according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 63 million Americans say they know someone who has used an online dating site. While most have had positive experiences, there are still potential hidden dangers that are associated with any online social networking tools that you should know about. As friendly as they may seem, you are still interacting with someone who you don’t really know, and who may not be completely honest in how they present themselves to you. With online dating sites, when emotions are involved, there may be a greater chance that someone is able to prey on potential vulnerability and turn you into the victim of a scam.
The National Consumers League (NCL) refers to these scams as “Sweetheart Swindles.” You first develop a relationship with your scammer that often seems too perfect. While you think that you are meeting the person of your dreams or even falling in love, you may be convinced to give up money or information that can lead to your losing thousands of dollars or worse. In less than a year, this fraud has become serious enough to climb to the top spot on the top 10 scam list at the NCL Fraud Center.
As usual, if something seems too good to be true it probably is. The NCL offers some advice on things to watch out for that can tip you off that you may be dealing with a scammer.
- The person asks you for money to cash a check or money order.
- Your online friend is very quick to say “I love you.”
- They claim to be a US citizen working abroad, or to have a lot of money.
- They claim that they need your help to complete a business deal.
As usual, if something seems too good to be true it probably is. So this Valentines Day, make sure that if you are meeting someone new, you take precautions to protect yourself and keep yourself safe. Check out the National Consumers League site for more information on “Sweetheart Swindles” and other potential scams you can protect yourself against.
6 Comments on "Outsmart Scammers: Falling In Love Or Falling Into A Scam?"
Ronnell Burks
Dear Consumer,
Never leave yourself open to vulnerability, you should almost “always be the one asking the questions.” Whenever there is room for doubt, abruptly terminate the line of communication. Never give away your domain(address, telephone number)or approximate location. Agree to meet “always” in public, (a bar, coffeehouse or shopping mall)is recommended). Be aware of your surroundings, if possible on first meeting, don’t venture out alone, carry a cellphone and let someone know of your arrangements and have them call you on occasions. Remember: “To Be Aware Is To Be Alive,” so be safe!
concerened lady
I recently put my profile on Match.com. I think one guy I started chatting with may be one of these guys. He was doing The I love you thing like the first day we chatted, and telling me how perfect he thought my profile was. In less than a week, and very little chat time he has ask for my # and for my address saying he had gifts for me. He also stated that he was out of the country working, but profile listing was U.S. I did not give him either, stating the concern all the problems you hear about on internet related meeting. I have also decided not to chat with him anymore.
TOO TRUSTWORTHY
I recently put my profile on singlesnet.com After chatting with several different guys, found one who I liked more than the ret. Chatted for about a week ,many times a day. He then asked for my address so he could send me flowers & candy. Like a BIG DUMMY ,I fell for It. Next Day he/ she stated they were being sent abroad to do Charity work for world organization. Long story short, thought I was doing decent thing in helping out this organization but it turned out to be what they call the “Re-Shipping Scam” Involving stolen credit card accounts. This Organization they claimed to be working for helps needy children worldwide. The guy even sent pics of who he was supposed to be! What is this world coming to? No more online dating for me!!!
Plynn
A few days after valentine’s day….I received a message to contact this guy who wished too chat with me. I began chatting with him and he immediately told me that he loved me. One month to the day of beginning the chat sessions he asked for $450.00 to finish a business deal so that he could come back home to the United States and we could be together. I did not send the money and he’s still asking for it. I suggest that anyone who is looking for love…do it the old fashion way.
kay
Anybody who needs your “help” is not looking for love, or a date! Although I have had 99% good experiences with internet dating, I do see how it could be chancy, and outright dangerous! I’m pretty sure the reason I do well meeting the “good guys” is my profile is very direct, no-nonsense, very specific, and definitely doesn’t sound like I am a weak , vulnerable, desperate for company, or needy person! I don’t respond to ANY men who’s profile doesn’t match MY preferences, MY personality, MY criteria! Never respond to men who put little/no effort in to thier profiles, men with no personal descriptions and preferences lisited! ALL genuine “daters” have preferences about the woman they hope (and are paying membership fees) to meet! Always meet in public, DON’T get in thier car, or go to thier house alone! My girlfriend went home for wine and cheese on the beach with a well-known, high-class, top notch MD/Plastic Surgeon and got herself raped before she knew what was happening!
For the love of a soldier
My love story ended in a very scary situation. I went on a popular online dating site and found a picture of a soldier that was supposedly in Iraq. The scariest part is that the person in the pictures had his last name on his uniform. He sent me all kinds of pictures of him and his son. We chatted for two months before he confessed his love for me. He never asked me for money, but in our last internet chat he came up with a story about a governor of Iraq and having 3 million dollars buried that he needed to get rid of. He wanted to send the money to me through some Iraq diplomat. I bombarded him with all kinds of questions on his identity at that he quickly had to go “before the military found out”. He has no longer tried to reach me. The scariest part is that I sent him all kinds of pictures of me and now I am afraid that he/she will use those to bait someone else. I am afraid for the person who’s pictures the scammer is using now. My lesson to share with you is validate their identity. If the love they profess for you is real then they will answer the questions. If they won’t let you send something to them or call them, then they probably are not real. Watch for short responses like “How are you”, “How is your mom”, “Situations are beyond our control”. “I am not fine”. Watch for spelling and grammar mistakes…above all always let your head do the thinking first, before your heart.
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