How can you tell an online dating scammer?

The webpage likely provides characteristics and behaviors typical of scammers in the context of online dating.

How do you know if you are chatting with a scammer?

Directly related to the theme of the page, offering signs and red flags that might indicate scamming activity.

How do you spot a hookup scammer?

As a subset of online dating scams, identifying hookup scammers would logically be covered under general scam detection advice.

What are common scammer phrases?

Typical phrases or language used by scammers could be highlighted as part of educating readers on scammer tactics.

How do I know if the person I am talking to online is real?

Fundamental to the purpose of the webpage, this would include verification tips and red flags to watch for in assessing the authenticity of online contacts.

How do you test a romance scammer?

Strategies or questions to expose potential scammers might be discussed to help users validate the intentions and authenticity of individuals they meet online.

How long will a romance scammer talk to you?

Insights into the persistence and communication patterns of romance scammers could be provided, which is useful for recognizing long-term deceptive strategies.

How do you spot a fake profile?

Critical to identifying online dating scams, details on discerning fake profiles from genuine ones would be a central topic.

Online Dating Scams: Spot and Avoid Romance Fraud

Catfishing is a term that describes a recently popular “outed” dating scam and is a term coined by “Nev” Yaniv Shulman and his film crew from the movie Catfish. Catfishing online is nothing new and has been going on for years since the first dating site Love@AOL and many others were introduced around 1995. Catfishing is not a surprise since data suggest that 1 in 10 dating profiles are fake on these dating sites. A Catfish scam occurs when someone assumes a persona (or many) in order to trick another person into believing that they’re really that person online. Oftentimes a “Catfish” will go to extremes to continue their lie and typically use social networks, dating sites and all different types online forums. They might display fake profile pictures, get a separate phone line and even create a complete online profile with “fake” friends to cover their tracks. Oftentimes, there is a reason why people choose to create these fake profiles. Below you can see why someone might choose to create a fake catfish profile.

What is a Catfish? A “catfish” is a term derived from an old fish story told to Nev Shulman about stimulating cod to increase the taste and texture. The story explains how fisherman used to have the problem of cod becoming bored and understimulated while being “tanked” during the boat-ride from Alaska to China which would cause them to become stale and tasteless. Someone came up with an idea to put catfish in the tanks with the cod. Being a natural predator (we haven’t been able to verify this as we couldn’t find any data supporting the claim and the fact that catfish are fresh water fish), the catfish would chase the cod and keep them moving and agile which, in return would produce a better quality cod. Well, Vince (the husband of the woman; Angela who “catfished” Nev) compared this story to her efforts in contrast to their online relationship where she lured him in and “stimulated” him. This is a nice way to put it since most of these online relationships are purely selfish and the catfish usually has a motive for what they’re doing.

What are the Signs of an Online Dating Scammer?

Online dating scammers are individuals who use false identities on dating websites, social media platforms, or other online forums to establish fraudulent relationships with unsuspecting victims. Here are some signs that may indicate that someone you’re talking to online could be a scammer:

Dating Catfish

Dating catfish refers to individuals who create false identities on social networks, forums, and dating sites like Facebook, Plenty of Fish (POF.com), and OkCupid. These scammers engage in conversations with unsuspecting individuals, often fabricating elaborate life stories to maintain their facade. Although the term has gained more publicity recently, the practice of catfishing has been around much longer than many realize.

Motivations Behind Catfishing

The reasons for catfishing vary widely but typically include a deep-seated need for acceptance, a lack of self-confidence, or financial motives. In every instance, the catfish is deceitful about their true identity, using their fabricated persona to manipulate others emotionally or financially.

Common Tactics Used by Catfish in the Dating Scene

Creation of Fake Profiles: Catfish often set up entirely fake profiles with stolen images and fictional backstories.
Elaborate Stories and Excuses: They weave complex tales to explain life circumstances that may garner sympathy or delay face-to-face meetings.
Emotional Manipulation: Their interactions are designed to evoke strong emotional responses that keep victims engaged and invested in the relationship.

Protecting Yourself from Dating Catfish

To safeguard against catfish in the dating world, be vigilant in verifying the authenticity of those you meet online. Utilize reverse image searches to check profile photos, be wary of overly dramatic life stories, and insist on video calls early in the interaction. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent emotional and financial exploitation.

419 Nigerian Prince Scam

This is one of the oldest and most known catfishing profiles that originally started with mail then, fax and then email. The story has evolved over time from needing money to get the prince out of jail and then personal information in order to wire money but, the most recent story is the African prince needs money for bribes so that they can get access to the money and in return, they (the scam artist) claim that they will provide a large payoff. Another version of this story is that the prince needs to store the money temporarily in order to hide the money. They ask for personal bank information in order to transfer the money and then steal money. The latest version of this scam are people posing as your relatives on Facebook telling you that they know a wealthy person that needs money because to move because they don’t currently have access to their money. These are the worst types of the catfish scams and always involved a request for personal information or to send money.

Russian brides scam (Romance scam)

This is one of the easiest scams to catch but, so many people fall for it each year because it plays into their emotions. A typical Russian bride scam plays out where you are contacted by a women (it can be a man too) who is looking for an American mate to marry and settle down with. After a specified time, they start asking for money for things like internet (because it’s supposedly expensive in their country) plane tickets, travels expenses, etc. Another example is where the scammer will contact you, start developing feelings really quickly and then disappear. Once they reappear, they tell you that they’ve been in a horrible accident and that they need money for medical expenses, etc. These types of scams always involve asking for money to help them pay for things that can be narrowed down to medical expenses, travel costs or basic necessitates. Keep in mind that they don’t always come from Russia.

Loneliness

Sensation Seekers

People will take legal, emotion risks to seek intense sensations. This involves creating fake personas and even more elaborate situations to continue these facades. Often there is no intention to hurt people, just to feel a certain emotion.

Extroverted

Revenge