Update: Scammers are everywhere not just on the dating sites. It is a jungle out there in more ways than one. My phone has been ringing non-stop from long distance numbers and they offer anything from lowering my utility bill costs to I’m a winner! There are several who call on a daily basis and I usually don’t pick up when the numbers seem familiar. However, it is frustrating and more than agitating having to deal with these people. Get a JOB and earn money that way. Nope, they want to do it the easy way, that of scamming others out of their hard-earned money. They come on sweet, they have pity-party stories and they know how to get at your heart and to make you part with your money. Beware because it is a jungle out there.
“There are so many scams on the internet now a days. Send me $19.95 and I will tell you how to avoid them.” Unknown
Sounds funny doesn’t it but if truth be told those that have fallen prey to this group know that it is far from it. Heartbreak, sadness, feelings of loss not only of money but emotionally as well are the aftermath of being tangled in a scammer’s web of lies. There are plenty of these wolves in sheep’s clothing on the dating platforms and spotting them takes knowledge, know-how and treading carefully.
The men and women who prey on the weak, vulnerable and the lonely know exactly how to go about setting their nets and if you’re out there looking for true love online, be very careful.
Here’s how to spot these losers. According Aura.com, “Americans have lost over a billion dollars to romance scams in the past year alone,” not to mention world wide. It is a lucrative business for these unscrupulous individuals who don’t give two hoots about your heart, let alone your well-being. It is all about what they can get for nothing.
“The first step towards avoiding scams is to learn how to spot them.” Unknown
They have fake profiles and more often than not the photos are usually of attractive individuals with great smiles. Most of these photos are not their own.
They are quick to call it love even before having met you. Taking it to the next level in a short amount of time is their game plan. “I want to spend my life with you!” or “You are the woman of my dreams,” are the ploys used and for the lonely, it is a definite lure.
They push for personal information and try to move the conversation off the dating site and into somewhere more private so that they can skim personal data or information and use it to their advantage.
Once they have you hooked, the plan goes into action. Suddenly they need financial help and you’re the cash cow. Please send gift cards or cash to help me out of the predicament I am in is their usual battle cry and believe it or not many fall for it.
They will never meet in person and they will come up with numerous excuses for why they can’t. Usually they are on an oil rig faraway with only a cellphone but they can’t make calls but they can write you. So please add me to your social media platforms will be next. This will be followed by this is their last contract and they are retiring after that. Suddenly something goes wrong and they have no access to money so they need your help. It reeks of stupidity but not to people who fall for it. The scam continues as long as they can get something out of you but stops as soon as they realize it’s a dead-end.
How to outsmart a romance scammer? If you belong to the Lonely Hearts Club, remember that these lowlifes are looking for money, your money. Love is the last thing on their minds.
Ask for a current photo.
Request to meet in person.
Ask detailed questions because, “the devil is in the details.”
Request a video chat, this will never happen.
Ask for their phone number and if you do get it, it will be a fake number.
Their motto is:
“Let’s cut to the chase, you give me money and I’ll disappear faster than a magician with a rabbit.” Famstatistics.FM
If all else fails, remember what is too good to be true, usually is! Or you can say,
“I’m sorry, my scam detector is ringing.” Unknown
Whatever you do, know that they are out there in more numbers than you think possible so be cautious, get savvy and stay safe. It’s a jungle out there!
Have an amazing day and don’t fall prey to a scammer!
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