It can be very difficult and
cumbersome to report dating scams, if the victim does not follow some prudent
and sensible steps when doing so. In addition to facing an emotional breakdown
on discovering the fake online dating relationship, the victims often find
themselves robbed of their hard-earned savings to the scammers. The following
are some sensible ways to report dating scams...
#1
Report Dating Scams to banks and wire transfer services
In most cases, people proceed to
report dating scams only when they find that their financial data have been
manipulated or that they have responded to fake calls of sympathy. The most
prudent way in these cases will be to:
●
Get in touch with bank and credit card issuing
companies, in order to effectively lock the accounts or freeze cards, as the
case may be.
●
Report dating scams to wire transfer services
such as Western Union etc. in the event of any money wired to the fake partner
for helping him/her.
●
There is a remote possibility that such money
has not been credited to beneficiary and is still in transit. In such cases, to
report dating scams to these companies is worthwhile.
#2
Report Dating Scams to dating websites
Usually, people get hitched with
their online love relationships from a recognized dating websites. All genuine
dating websites have provisions for lodging complaints on dating scams. These
websites are on the lookout for scammers so that their websites can be steered
clear of fake profiles. In such cases, the victims must:
●
Use the online reporting tool provided by the
websites
●
Upload any proof that is available which may be
useful in nabbing the scammers
●
Any records of private conversation by way of
chat or email outside the dating platform will constitute valuable evidence.
One sign of a dubious online partner
is the tendency to encourage private chat and phone calls, instead of using the
services of dating websites.
#3
Report Dating Scams to cyber police
Law enforcers like the FBI, Action
Fraud and the cyber police of different countries are working round the clock
to prevent the occurrence of online dating scams. Complaints to such agencies
will be effective only if:
●
All instances of corresponding with third
parties endorsed by the scammer, such as family, friends and acquaintances of
the scammer must be reported in copious detail
●
A cybercrime report from the Police must be
obtained, which will serve as a foundation to file law suits for recovery of
financial damages.
●
Records of all financial transactions with the
scammers, such as bank statements, credit card statements, letters, hard copies
of emails, photographs and video clips must be produced for forensic
investigation.
●
Any details that will be useful in tracking the
scammers such as landline phone number, postal address or official addresses of
the romance scammers will throw light on the direction in which systematic
criminal investigation must commence.
As a general rule, it is highly
recommended to stop all communications with the scammers, once the infidelity
comes to light.
