How to Avoid Internet Dating Scams

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How to Avoid Internet Dating Scams

Sometimes it’s easy to tell when and online contact is inauthentic, but some signs are not as obvious. Here are some actions you can take in order to traverse the web safely.

- Ask to meet in person
Most scammers will claim to be from your area but they are currently unavailable to meet due to working overseas or tending to a sick relative.
- Note profile inconsistencies
This includes pictures that look overly glamorous or don’t line up with the person’s current claimed location. You can also Google image search any pictures they provide. Significant age differences are also common since scammers often target older victims.
- Keep a slow pace
Con artists will often share or press for personal information right out of the gate. They will also declare strong feelings within a short period of time.
- Use the dating site to communicate
Internet dating scammers will usually prompt their victims to use more personal means of communicating, like emails or texting.
- Look for abundant grammatical errors
In their messages, look for abundant grammatical errors and vague statements. They may even call you by the wrong name.
- Don’t send money, information, or objects
They will ask for money and usually accompany the request with a good excuse. However, you should never send money, objects, or even basic information to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Stick to well-known dating sites
Ultimately, use only well-known dating sites that most people know the names of. These websites make it harder to create fake profiles but remain cautious.