Ah, today's digital world where online dating makes it all! It's a super popular way to find love or have some fun. But scammers. Scammers know this too. They pretend to be someone else just to take your money or steal your identity!
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How To Verify Your Online Match
So, before getting too invested in an online relationship, make sure the person is legit. Romance scams are everywhere! To protect yourself, verify your match's authenticity with just a few clicks.
E-Scam: Two Types of Deception
"Catfishing comes in two forms: online catfishing, where individuals alter their appearance through angles, lighting, or filters, and catfish scams, where scammers steal influencers' or celebrities' photos to create fake accounts and establish long-distance relationships before exploiting their victims emotionally and financially," says Wilda Harrison, a relationship psychologist.
12 Signs of Online Scam
1. Too Good to Be True: Beware of Excessive Perfection
If someone appears too perfect to be real, exercise caution. Scammers often fabricate extravagant lives to impress their targets, making it challenging to verify their authenticity without an identity search.
2. Broad Interests: Beware of Extensive Fakeness
Fake profiles tend to showcase broad interests to appeal to a wide audience. If someone lacks a distinct personality or has overly diverse hobbies, it might indicate a scam.
3. Moving Too Fast: The Rush to Deceive
If a person accelerates the relationship without sufficient interaction, it could be a red flag. Be wary of anyone expressing intense emotions and asking for money prematurely.
4. Limited Communication Methods: Hiding Behind Screens
Be cautious if your potential match insists on only chatting or emailing, avoiding video calls or phone conversations. Their reluctance may indicate a hidden agenda or deception.
5. Unrealistic Work Details: Overseas and Scams
Scammers often claim to have jobs taking them overseas, setting the stage for a potential Nigerian 419 scam. Be wary if their job seems far-fetched or unattainable.
6. Soliciting Money: A Warning Sign
If someone asks for money shortly after connecting online, be vigilant. Catfishers may play on your emotions to extract funds. Never share your bank account information.
7. Unexpected Approaches: Beware of Strangers
If someone unexpectedly initiates a romantic connection, question their intentions. Verify claims of mutual friends before proceeding.
8. Poor Grammar: A Telltale Sign
Poor grammar or unusual sentence structures, especially if the person claims to live in the U.S., might hint at a catfish.
9. Suspicious Online Status: Lack of Authenticity
Genuine profiles typically have contacts, friends, and family members. Be cautious of profiles with few connections or limited interactions.
10. Stolen Images: Attractive but Fake
Scammers often use images of attractive people, including models and celebrities. Use iFindCheaters’ Social Media & Dating Tools to verify the authenticity of their photos. It’s free to try!
11. Eliciting Pity: Beware of Manipulation
Catfishers often concoct elaborate stories to invoke sympathy. If someone's misfortune leads to requests for financial assistance, be cautious.
12. Trusting Your Instincts: Listen to Your Gut
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Pay attention to unsettling feelings and consider facial recognition searches for added reassurance.
