How To Avoid Getting Love Scammed Online

In a recent article, ExpressVPN shared that online dating scams have increased in the last five years. It’s estimated that 547 million USD was lost to online dating scammers just in 2021. While dating apps, sites, and social media have helped connect people worldwide with one another, it’s also increased online love scams.

With more people getting on dating apps and sites daily, it’s worth learning and understanding how these scams came to be and the best way to avoid them.

1.   Avoid speaking to people who come on too strongly

The first rule of online dating is to be wary of strangers and avoid people that seem to come on too strongly online. If someone you’ve never met before contacts you with romantic intentions, proceed with caution. Scammers often use fake profiles with attractive photos to lure unsuspecting victims.

2.   Only use reputable online dating sites and apps

Stick to reputable dating sites with robust security measures to protect their users. However, it must also be said that official dating apps have also reported that at least 10 percent of accounts online are suspected of being fake. Where possible, always practice caution when matching with people on apps. Ultimately, always avoid using free dating sites, as they are often a haven for scammers.

3.   Do background checks if necessary

If someone you’ve met online seems too good to be true, take the time to verify their profile. You can do this by running a reverse image search on their profile picture or checking their social media accounts. You can also ask them questions to determine if something doesn’t add up.

Before meeting them, consider getting on a voice or video call to see if they’re genuine human beings looking for something serious. If they shy away from video calls or don’t seem keen on proving they’re real, consider it a red flag and walk away.

4.   Be wary if they’re suddenly asking for help

Scammers often use sob stories to elicit sympathy and scam their victims out of money. If someone you’ve just met online starts asking for money or financial assistance, it’s likely a scam.

Scammers might also hack into the social media accounts of a victim’s friend and pretend to require help in order to appeal to their emotional side and ask for financial support.

5.   Never share personal information about yourself easily

Never give out personal information such as your home address, phone number, or financial details to someone you’ve just met online. Scammers can use this information to steal your identity or scam you out of your money. Scammers also tend to move quickly on dating apps or sites by asking to speak on different messaging platforms to avoid getting caught by the administrators on these sites.

If you’re uncomfortable giving out your number, speak directly on the platform. Most dating apps or sites these days have a chat or video call functionality, so you don’t even have to give your number out.

6.   Trust your instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and walk away. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to get their victims to act quickly, so take your time and don’t rush into anything. Most of the time, if something seems too good to be true, it is.

7.   Don’t be afraid to report suspicious behavior

If you encounter suspicious behavior online, immediately report it to the dating site or social media platform. They can take action to remove the offending profile and prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, remember that it’s good to speak up and warn others.

Love scams are a real and growing problem in the world of online dating. In an ideal world, people wouldn’t have to think twice when making a connection with someone on a dating app. However, this isn’t the case. Thankfully, by following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from scammers and enjoy a safe and fulfilling online dating experience.