Man, 48, Falls For Online Dating Scam

We have posted several articles about online dating scams on this blog. These scams – also known as romance scams or love fraud - typically follow the same pattern, and the tricks are rarely new. Most are fairly easy to detect if you know what to look for. Recently, a 48 year old man was ripped off of his life’s savings in a textbook (if one were ever written) pattern of internet romance scams. This one happened on one of the popular social networking sites but it also happens on dating sites especially the free ones. I don’t like the term “divorcee” as used in the article as I hate labels, but it is a story worth reading. Below the story are common patterns of online dating scams that were at play in this case. More on Online Dating Scams Target Victims In Dating And Social Networking Sites

Recently, a woman was scammed by what she thought was her prince charming that she met online. Getting scammed this way is doubly hurting and disheartening, as you not only lose money but your heart.

We have posted several articles about how to detect and avoid this very kind of thing. While it is more rampant on free sites, it also does happen on paid dating sites as this one did. I will say it again, nothing can replace your own due diligence.

If an online “love” begins to ask for money, or your home address before you’ve actually met face to face several times, this should automatically raise a red flag. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been “together” online. Some scammers are very patient, as this one was. They can afford to be, as it creates trust and there are other victims ripening for the pick all the time (you’re just one of many).

Watch the full story on video

Ohio Couple Dating Service Scam Busted

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Aug 6, 2010

Ohio couple could face two years prison if found guilty for dating service scam.

More on New Dating Scam Busted

Many people commend the use of online dating for various reasons, convenience being among the top of the list. However, it is possible to be taken by one of the many different internet romance scams if you participate in these websites. If you choose to take part in online dating, it is important that you exercise caution in order to not be scammed.

The typical internet romance scams are perpetrated by people who join online dating sites in a false attempt for find a companion. These peoples' objective is one; to find a lonely vulnerable soul and take advantage of her/him and use this vulnerability to rip them off. More on Internet Romance Scams – Don’t Let Yourself Get Scammed

As much as we are loathe to admit it, there are a number of dishonest people out there that seemingly like to take advantage of people through internet dating scams. Why do they do this? Basically, they are looking to separate people from their money and setting up a dating scam is a way to do this.

Since online dating has increased significantly in popularity over the years, there is an audience of people out there that some feel can be easily manipulated. Some of these scams are not only dishonest, they are downright cruel. More on Avoiding Internet Dating Scams