Reporting
dating scams is critical. Online dating scams are growing and with almost
anyone being targeted, you could easily be next. When love “happens” in a
heartbeat, and demands for money come rolling in next, you can be sure you are
in the trap of a romance scammer. But love need not be a cause for loss. Be
alert for these signs that your special someone is a scammer in disguise.
#1 Age Difference That Speaks Volumes
Always note
the age difference in the dating scam. Online romance scammers usually target
older persons. Women in their 50s and 60s are the ideal targets because they
are not only rich but vulnerable as well. If you have a case of “May and
December” happening when it comes to your age and that of your romantic partner
online, be cautious in case the relationship turns exploitative.
#2 The Perfect Profile?
Look for
descriptions in their profile such as self employed, working overseas, a true
professional or just widowed. These are all profiles inspired to create trust
and liking in the person at the other end. Another sure sign of discrepancy is
when they claim to live close by but are currently away and you've never heard
of anyone like them in your locality.
#3 Photo Checks
Another
great way to find out the truth about the scammer is through a Google Image
search. Check if their photos match someone else's online or is associated with
some scam activities. Reporting dating scams is easy provided you spot the scammer in time. Check all the snaps of your “beloved” online that you receive.
Does something look out of place such as the background or landscape and clocks
or date calendars. Once this has been identified, catching the scammer is easy.
#4 Inconsistencies That Stand Out
Another
mistake that sticks out like a sore thumb is if they say they have been away,
yet their profile shows then chatting online all the time. Another dead
giveaway is if they say they are from a particular geographical location and
their IP address or online location points in another direction.
#5 Check Emails
Reporting
dating scams is easy if you can catch the scammer at their game.
Inconsistencies in the email and glaring mistakes such as getting your name
wrong or other signs could be an indication you are dealing with the scammer at
the other end. Another sure sign you are being trifled with is if their
language becomes ungrammatical over time. Contradictions may pop up in their
stories and it is at this point that it is imperative people ensure they are
reporting dating scams. If you leave the reporting till later, the scammer may
become alert and leg it.
#6 Phone Calls Can Reveal The Truth
Another
good way to catch a romance scammer is to hear the person on the phone. If they
are using wrong phrases or have a foreign accent which does not match their
origin, be alert and ensure you go about reporting dating scams. Ask questions
that probe details and match the cell phone and area code with where they claim
they are calling from. If there is a difference, take a stand and report the
scammer before it is too late.
Watch out
for the catch or you could end up being bait. Check for rapid escalation and
sudden demands for cash while the romance goes out of the window. Reporting
dating scams ensures you save yourself as well as innocent others from grasping
charlatans.
