Online dating can be quite exciting for users. The popularity of online dating apps has significantly increased in recent years. The comfort that online dating provides users, by allowing them to meet new people without going out, is one the biggest reasons for their popularity. But with this comfort also comes the danger of meeting malicious people on dating apps and not knowing whether they are real.
ExpressVPN’s report reveals that online romance scams are rising exponentially with the number of people signing up for dating sites. However, there is no way to confirm what number of these accounts are fake. Even though some dating apps provide ways for users to verify their identity, it is not mandatory.
What Are Romance Scams
It has become very easy for online scammers to create fake profiles on dating sites so that they can scam other users. These scams can include anything from catfishing to monetary fraud. Not only is it easier for scammers to hide, but they can also block people once they are done scamming them. This allows scammers to avoid the consequences of their actions easily. That is why users need to be aware while using online dating apps.
How To Avoid Online Dating Scams
If you are new to dating apps, you might find the idea of meeting new people quite exciting. However, users are responsible for ensuring that they protect themselves against scammers. Here are some tips for you to avoid getting scammed on online dating sites.
First and foremost, make sure that the people you are talking to have enough pictures on their profiles. If someone has one or two pictures with no other information on their profile, it is better to avoid them. On the contrary, you should also be wary of a dating profile that seems too good. It could be a fake profile if you see someone online with perfect pictures and qualifications and seemingly no flaws.
It is better to set certain boundaries while talking to people online. Scammers tend to love-bomb their victims by showing signs of affection early into the conversation. If you have just started talking to someone and they are being very vocal about their feelings for you, it is best to block them and move on. If someone tries to make you uncomfortable with personal and invasive questions, you should simply remove them from your account.
The best way to determine whether a profile is fake is by asking to meet, or video call the other person. If someone is avoiding meeting you or having verbal conversations, chances are they are scamming you with a fake profile. Most importantly, do not hold conversations with anyone who asks for money from you, no matter how small the amount is.
There are multiple ways for scammers to trap their victims on online dating sites. This is why users must be wary of anyone they meet on these sites. It is better to take some precautionary measures and test a profile’s legibility than get scammed. So the next time you are using an online dating site, try to avoid people that might seem suspicious.
Leave a Reply