Online dating fraud is an unfortunate reality of the modern world. Having grown dramatically since the ‘90s, finding a partner online is now a commonplace way to meet new people.
At Are They Safe, our mission is to help keep you safe with our discreet private investigation services, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Every day around the world, millions log-on in the hope of meeting that special someone, many of them blissfully unaware of the potential dangers lurking behind the screen…
What is online dating fraud?
Online dating fraud is a term used to describe being ‘conned’ by fraudsters posing as online daters. It’s surprisingly common, with consumer advocates Which stating that approximately £50 million was sent to online scammers in 2018. This was a marked rise in previous years, with nearly five thousand reports of fraud related to dating on the web.
While anyone can be the victim of online dating fraud, 63% of those affected are women, and these female victims are also cited as losing around twice as much financially as men caught up in similar situations (with an average of around £12k lost to each woman impacted).
It’s therefore vital to protect yourself against online dating fraud, by carefully vetting individuals and taking precautionary measures which make you less of a target.
There are a few key warning signs which could indicate there is a fraudster in your midst:
- They never talk about themselves
If someone you’re talking to online asks a lot of questions about you, it can often feel quite flattering initially. All of us want to feel valued and wanted, but what if there is a more devious reason why your new potential date doesn’t ever talk about themselves, but seems to quiz you? They could be simply scanning you for information they can exploit.
- They talk about a crisis
Another tactic used by scammers involves them simply talking about some personal crisis which means they ‘need’ money from you, urgently. This could be a problem they’re facing, or it could simply be money they say they need to visit and meet you.
- They move fast
Scammers often don’t waste time in sharing their ‘feelings’ for their target. This is a form of emotional blackmail, helping you feel connected to them and making it more likely that you’ll hand over your cash. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. And if you’re in doubt, you can always contact the team at Are They Safe to investigate.
For A Free No Obligation Quote contact us today on 0800 0199424.
