Why Do People Still Fall For The Same Old Online Dating Scams?

That online dating scams are on the increase can hardly be disputed. What really galls me is when some people appear to have more money than sense. When are they gonna get that age-old grandma-sense-cum-commonsense principle that you don't give money to a stranger? Don't get me wrong, I empathize with the victims. But I'm still angry that some people can be so… let's just say easy. More on Woman Scammed Out Of $100K In Online Dating Scam

Keep Safe When Dating Online Or In Real Life

You have probably heard or read horror stories about online dating. This has lead some to believe the internet dating is not safe. Yet you can avoid the dangers of dating online or offline by following some simple suggestions and your own guts.

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Online dating is global. But in most cases the real date happens locally. In fact, some people are of the view that the term "online dating" is a misnomer. Well, that is subject of another article. The same goes for online dating scams. They are typically perpetrated internationally but the victim is, of course, a local of some place. In a recent story, one Stacey Payne, Lee County (FL) Sheriff's Office community relations manager appears to be of the view that residents of that county are disproportionately falling victim or internet romance scams.

The article is a good read as it provides great information about dating scams in general. Knowledge coupled with commonsense is your best defense against these scams. And contrary to what you might have heard, Nigerian dating scams are not the only ones to worry about. Scams can be perpetrated locally too.

More on Online Dating Scams Now Going Local?

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).

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