Is Your Online Love For Real?

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You have to be smart about falling in love with someone you’ve met online. You could put yourself in danger if you’re not careful about online dating. You can lose a lot of money or worst get your heart broken. Just because you have faith and good intentions, it doesn’t mean the person you’re talking to does as well. Many people will do everything up to the point that they will lie about who they are just to get what they want, whether it’s money, attention or a feeling of power. Don’t get scammed! Here’s are some red flags to look out for when looking for love online.

They Don’t Live Nearby

If someone who lives nowhere near you is chatting you up, be suspicious. I’m not talking about someone who’s a state away, but if they live in a different country, there’s a good chance they’re trying to scam you. Don’t get too attached to someone you can’t meet without a passport. They aren’t your last chance at love!

They Proclaim Their Love in a Short Period of Time

I’m sure you’re an amazing person with a lot to offer. I’m sure you’re loveable. But no one can make a real, meaningful connection with you only after talking to you on the Internet for a few days or weeks. If someone who barely knows you says they love you, a red flag should go up. This person is either incredibly desperate or is getting ready to ask you a big favor.

They Ask for Money

Would you give someone you barely know a lot of your hard-earned money? Well, if you’re writing checks or paying bills for someone you’ve met online, you just did. You may feel like you’re helping someone you care for, but the truth is you have no idea what they’re spending that money on. You also don’t know how many other people are giving them money too!

They “Can’t” Video Chat

Pretty much every computer and phone has video chat capabilities and some of these programs are so easy that your dog could use them. So when you’re online love says they can’t video chat, know they’re full of crap. If they don’t have the technology (for whatever reason), they know someone who does. The truth is they don’t want you to know what they really look like.

You’ve Only Seen One Picture of Them

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If you’ve been talking to someone for months and you’ve only seen one picture of them, you should definitely be suspicious. There’s a good chance that picture you’re looking at is not of the person you’re talking to. Chances are they found that picture on the Internet and are passing it off as their own.

They Won’t Give You Their Number

If your online love won’t let you call them, something is definitely up. The most likely have a living situation they don’t want you to know about. Maybe they’re married or have a live-in partner. Maybe hearing their voice would give away their gender or age.

They Say They’re a Celebrity

If the person you’re talking to claims to be a celebrity, ask yourself the following questions: Why would a celebrity need to go online to find love? How would a celebrity, with their crazy work schedule, find the time to talk to me for hours every day? You’re not talking to a celebrity. You’re talking to a person who thinks you’re naive.

How to Protect Yourself

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You can have a legitimate relationship with someone you’ve met online. First, choose someone who lives near you. Are they a drive away or a quick flight away at the most? You’re going to want to meet them eventually. Do an Internet search for them. Find out if they have a criminal background. Check out their Facebook page. Video chat with them, exchange phone numbers and pictures when you’re comfortable. You need to know what they look and sound like. When you’re ready, take the relationship offline. Meet up for coffee or in a public place and if there’s chemistry, agree to go on a real date.

9 COMMENTS

  1. ‘They only send one picture’? Sounds like an art project gone wrong! Maybe it’s time we embrace creativity instead of labeling it as deceitful behavior!

  2. ‘You could lose money or get your heart broken.’ Well, at least you’re likely saving on dinner dates until things heat up! It’s always wise to be cautious but perhaps we shouldn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.

  3. An astute observation on the perils of online dating! The red flags you mentioned are indeed crucial for anyone navigating this digital landscape. It’s vital to remain vigilant and prioritize safety above all else.

  4. ‘If they can’t video chat, they’re probably lying’? Sounds like a setup for a bad rom-com where the protagonist is just trying to keep their identity hidden due to an embarrassing secret! Classic plot twist!

  5. While I appreciate the cautionary tone, this article seems overly dramatic. Not every online connection is a scam; many have blossomed into genuine relationships. This blanket warning could dissuade someone from pursuing a potentially rewarding connection.

  6. ‘They say they’re a celebrity?’ Ah yes, because every famous person has nothing better to do than troll the internet for love! Maybe next time they’ll claim to be an astronaut looking for a partner on Mars.

  7. The points raised are quite informative and grounded in reality. The emphasis on verifying identities through technology is particularly relevant in today’s climate of misinformation. Readers should heed this advice seriously.

  8. ‘Video chat or it didn’t happen’ seems a bit harsh, don’t you think? What if someone has legitimate reasons for not wanting to share their face? Perhaps we should also allow for some level of privacy in these digital interactions.

  9. ‘They won’t give you their number’? Quite the assumption! Many people value their privacy and may not be ready to share personal information immediately. Let’s not jump to conclusions too quickly.

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