欺诈sters are turning to the world of social media 和 online dating apps to establish close online relationships 和 build trust with unsuspecting users. These scams typically start with a fraudster who creates a fake profile on a dating app or social media platform. Too often, these situations end the same way; typically involving a made-up story of why your online dating crush needs money. While this type of fraud may not have impacted you personally, 这可能发生在你认识的人身上.
According to the 联邦贸易委员会, Americans have lost $1.3 billion to romance scams in the past five years. This is caused by romance scammers upping their game 和 enhancing their master of disguise. They create profiles with attractive content, studying personal information 和 common interests, 和 provide minimal details about themselves.
If you're exploring online dating, keep an eye out for these common warning signs:
Romance scammers will confess their love quickly online.
通常, the first sign of a romance scammer is when they express strong emotions for you in a short period of time. 在某些情况下, they might tell you they love you without ever seeing their face on the phone or in person. This is a tactic they often use to get you to become vulnerable 和 share personal details about yourself. If you experience a love interest online who confesses their love quickly 和 asks for personal details, 那么你可能会遇到欺诈. Protect your personal information carefully 和 be weary of your online love interest.
Romance scammers tend to need money for emergencies, bills, 和 travel expenses.
Be skeptical of a love interest you meet online who asks for financial assistance. Here are some common scenarios that these fraudsters use:
- “我需要钱给一个生病的亲戚看病.”
- “I need money so I can fly out 和 visit you.”
- “I am a US service member overseas 和 need some money.”
- “我能借点钱吗?? 我会还给你的，我保证.”
- “My card isn’t working right now - can you wire me some money?”
通常, 跟随其中一个叙述, the romance scammer will express profound affection, 声称你就是“那个人”,并答应为你做任何事. Don't be deceived; their ultimate goal is often just to take money from you.
Romance scammers will try to lure you off the dating app or site.
This tactic is becoming more prominent in romance fraud. The scammer lures you off the dating site 和 tries to connect with you personally by email, 发短信, 或者即时通讯. This might not be taken as a red flag in the moment, as you may believe it’s a next step in your relationship. Everyone wants to find love on these dating apps 和 move forward, but this is a way for the scammer to get closer to your personal information. 而不是, set up an alternate email or utilize a different instant message app that isn't linked to your personal information if you choose to continue a conversation off the app.
Romance scammers will create excuses to avoid meeting face-to-face.
If you’re romantically involved with someone that claims to care about you, 但拒绝约你见面, this is already a red flag that you should be questioning. They may say that they’re traveling or living outside the country or active in the military. Some scammers go as far as making up lies to get out of video-chatting by saying their camera is broken or their wi-fi is down. 这些都是需要注意的重要迹象. Even if an online love interest makes plans to visit you, be prepared for a romance scammer to make a last-minute cancellation. Make sure that you are paying close attention to the efforts of the person you’re talking to.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, 和 it probably is a scam!
避免爱情欺诈的专家建议
- 和你信任的人谈谈 关于你目前的情况. A romance scammer might try to isolate you from your friends 和 family.
- 永远不要寄钱 给那些你不认识的人. If you have already sent money, report it immediately to the 联邦贸易委员会.
- 联系你的金融机构 right away if you think you have sent money to a romance scammer.
- 如果你上当了，将你的经验报告给:
- 在线约会应用
- 联邦贸易委员会
- 联邦调查局
Take the precautionary steps needed when going into an online dating app or site. If you notice any red flags, focus on these tips for h和ling situations on romance scamming. While online dating can be an exciting way to find love, it also increases the chance of falling victim to online romance scams. Keep an eye out for all warning signs 和 be cautious when communicating with potential matches.
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