Online dating apps and sites have become incredibly popular in recent years. They allow people to connect who otherwise would never have met. However, these sites have also given rise to the emergence of online romance scams, a criminal activity that applies social engineering and generates large financial losses.
Romance scammers prey on lonely and vulnerable people with the promise of romance, then steal their money. These online lurkers often create attractive fake profiles on dating sites. They pretend to be very interested in a potential victim and thus quickly gain their trust. Once they feel like they have hooked you emotionally, they will find ways to ask you for money. They may make up tragic stories about medical problems, debt, or family emergencies for which they need money immediately. If you send them money, they will make new excuses and keep asking for more.
Another common tactic widely used is to invent fake businesses and convince their victim to invest in them. They can claim large profits. But once they receive the money, they disappear without a trace.
How to avoid falling into the hands of online romance scammers?
These simple tips will protect you from falling into the clutches of a romance scammer.
Don’t send money without meeting in person:
Never send money to someone you met online until you know them well in person. Scammers will avoid face-to-face meetings.
Investigate their traces on the Internet:
Investigate the digital footprint that the person leaves on the Internet. Look up his name and photo online. Scammers often use photos stolen from other people.
Do not share your financial account details:
Do not share personal financial information. Scammers can steal your identity as well as your money.
Suspicion of exorbitant profits:
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of promises of guaranteed profits.
Be suspicious if it asks you for remote access to your computer:
Many online scammers pose as computer experts to help you with PC problems without asking. Thus, they can gain control of your online financial accounts or social networks to commit other types of scams.
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