How to Detect and Avoid Dating Scams

Dating scams have been around for years, but they seem to be becoming more common. In fact, the FBI reports that dating scams account for the second-highest number of reported cybercrime incidents, with a total loss of $54 million in 2016. 

That's why it's important to be aware of the different types of dating scams, how to detect them, and how to avoid them.

What are Dating Scams?

A dating scam is any scheme used to defraud someone looking for a romantic partner on an online dating site. These scams can take many different forms, but they all have one thing in common: the goal is to trick the victim into sending money, either directly or indirectly.

The majority of romance scam complaints to the FTC since 2019 have been made on social media, usually on Facebook or Instagram. According to statistics, victims lost almost $117 million in the first six months of 2020 due to social media-based scams.

Apart from that, in 2020, romance scams resulted in more total losses than any other fraud reported to the FTC. That is a scary statistic, and it's a testament to how prevalent romance scams are and how many people fall victim to them.

The Most Common Dating Scams

There are many different types of dating scams, but here are some of the most common:

Military Romance Scams

One dating scam that is becoming more and more common is the military romance scam. In these scams, someone posing as a member of the military contacts victims on social media or dating sites and gains their trust. They may then ask for money to help with an emergency or visit them.

These scammers often use fake photos and profiles to make themselves more attractive and appealing. They may also pretend to be stationed overseas to explain why they can't meet in person.

Fake Dating Sites

Another type of dating scam is when scammers create fake dating websites to trick people into giving them money. These websites may look legitimate, but they are usually set up for the sole purpose of defrauding people.

The scammers who run these websites often use fake profiles and photos to lure victims. They may also offer membership for a fee, which gives access to more features on the site. 

However, once someone has paid, they may find that the site has disappeared or that their credit card has been charged without their knowledge.

Intimate Activity Scams

Some dating scammers will try to get victims to send them intimate photos or videos, which they can then use to blackmail the victim. This scam is prevalent on dating apps like Tinder, where scammers can easily create fake profiles.

They may start by sending flattering messages and asking for intimate photos. Once they have these, they will threaten to release them unless the victim pays them money. This can be a very distressing experience for the victim, who may feel helpless and scared.

Photo Scams

Another type of dating scam involves scammers stealing photos from real people and using them to create fake dating profiles. These profiles are often very convincing, as the scammers use high-quality images stolen from social media or other websites.

The scammers will then contact victims on dating sites and try to trick them into sending money. They may pretend to need money for an emergency or to visit the victim.

Code Verification Scams

Some dating scammers will try to get victims to verify their phone number or email address by entering a code on a fake website. This is usually done by asking the victim to click on a link in an email or text message.

Once the victim enters the code, they are then redirected to a website that asks for their credit card details. The scammer will use these details to make unauthorized charges on the victim's account.

Inheritance Scams

Inheritance scams are another type of dating scam that can be very costly for victims. In these scams, scammers pose as someone who has recently come into a large sum of money, usually due to an inheritance.

They will then contact victims on dating sites and try to convince them to invest their own money in a business venture or to help them access the inheritance. Often, the victim will never see their money again and may even end up owing money to the scammer.

Malware Scams

Lastly, malware scams are a type of dating scam that can be very dangerous for victims. Scammers will send victims a link that leads to a website that downloads malware onto their computer.

This malware can then steal personal information or give the scammer access to the victim's computer. This can be a very serious issue, leading to identity theft or financial fraud.

Dating Scam Warning Signs

One of the best ways to avoid dating scams is to be aware of the warning signs. This way, you can spot a scammer before they have a chance to scam you.

Fast Intimacy

One red flag to look out for is if someone is moving too fast. Scammers often try to get victims to send them intimate photos or videos or to meet in person very quickly. If someone you're dating is pressuring you for these things, it's a good idea to be suspicious.

Getting You Off the Dating Site

Another warning sign is if someone you're dating tries to get you to communicate off the dating site. This can be done by asking for your phone number or email address or by trying to chat on a different platform.

Scammers will often do this to scam you without being traced. It's important to only communicate with someone on the dating site and never to give out personal information.

They Live Far Away

Another common scammer tactic is to say they live far away from you. This can be done by saying they're working overseas or by using a fake location on their dating profile.

Scammers do this to avoid meeting in person, as it's harder to get caught if there's no face-to-face interaction.

They Ask For Money

One of the most apparent dating scam warning signs is if someone asks you for money. Scammers will often say they require money for an emergency or ask you to invest in a business venture.

If someone you're dating asks you for money, it's crucial to remember that no one is obligated to give it to them. You should never give money to someone you've only met online, no matter how convincing their story may be.

They're Too Good to be True

If someone's dating profile seems too good to be true, it likely is. Scammers often use fake photos and create profiles designed to attract victims.

Be wary of anyone who seems perfect, and be sure to do a reverse image search on any photos you're sent to see if they've been stolen from another site.

Specific Payment Methods

When scammers ask for money, they will often request specific payment methods. They might say they need money to pay for travel expenses or medical bills and will ask you to send it through a wire transfer service or a gift card.

Remember that you should never send money to someone you've only met online, no matter how convincing their story may be. If someone asks you to send them money this way, they're likely a scammer.

How to Avoid Dating Scams

Now that you know the warning signs of dating scams, you can avoid them by being cautious. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when dating online:

Dos and Don'ts of Online Dating

Do:

• Use a reputable dating site
• Create a strong password
• Use different passwords for all your accounts
• Create a profile that represents you accurately
• Be honest about who you are and what you're looking for

Don't:

• Use public Wi-Fi to sign into your dating account
• Respond to requests for money or personal information
• Send intimate photos or videos to someone you don't know well
• Meet someone in person if you don't feel safe doing so

The FBI also has a list of its own on how you can avoid getting scammed by dating sites.

How to Report Dating Scams

If you think you've been the victim of a dating scam, it's important to report it. You can report dating scams to the FTC, as well as to your local police department.

Reporting dating scams can help law enforcement catch the criminals who are doing this and help other people avoid getting scammed in the future.

The Bottom Line

Dating scams are common, and they can be very tricky to spot. But if you know the warning signs, you can avoid them by being cautious. And if you think you've been scammed, it's imperative to report it so that other people can be protected.