Romance scams target people of all backgrounds, ages, and income levels. This problem should not be taken lightly. All of us can be victims, there is no exception to that. Scammers are getting smarter and taking advantage of our new technology. They know how to make them look like the real thing and then catch you off guard when you are not expecting it. Their story is convincing, plus they know how to play on emotional triggers to get you to provide what they need.
Here is how to protect yourself from romance scams.
1. Do not share personal details
Avoid sharing information like full names, date of birth, and your address with strangers. You never know what they’ll do with it. Be careful when picking your username on dating websites. Do not include personal information like your location.
2. Do not send or receive money
Turn down requests to send or receive money from a person you just met online. This applies to forms such as cash, via bank account, credit card.
3. Use rusted dating websites
Fraudsters tend to want to take their criminal activity off reputable dating websites. They will convince you to interact with them via social media, text messaging, or email. This is so that the dating website has no proof of their fraudulent dealings. Always insist on communicating through the site’s messaging services. But if they still manage to send you an email, make sure to use tools that verify the email owner.
4. Think twice before using your webcam
Be careful when using your webcam with a new online love interest. This also goes for people you may think you know well. The footage could be used against you. Use cyber tools to safeguard your camera devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
5. Carry out a reverse image search
In this era, everyone has a digital presence waiting to be viewership. Investigate your cyber sweetheart by viewing their social media profiles. Look out for bare profiles that have no connections. Perform a reverse image search to see whether their photos are currently up on other sites.
6. Get a second opinion
Ask someone you trust for a second opinion. When emotions run deep, it may be hard to face reality. The thought of them not being who you think they are is not pleasant. Take a step back and ask a trusted friend or family member to give a second opinion about your relationship. Because they aren’t blind to reason, they may spot what you are too emotional to be too.
7. Trust your gut instincts
If you feel like something is wrong, it most likely is. Be wary and careful.
8. Avoid sending compromising media
Never send compromising photos or videos of yourself to someone. It is dangerous if you haven’t met them in person. These could later be used as blackmail. In worst-case scenarios, they could be sold onto the dark web.
Conclusion
Reports rank romance scams number one on total reported losses of online scams. That’s a lot of hearts to break and wallets to empty. The bottom line is: never send money or gifts to a “sweetheart” you haven’t met in person. Once your suspicions have been cleared and you are sure the person is a scammer, stop. Seize communication with the person immediately.
It is usually impossible to recover money after you’ve been scammed. But reporting these incidents helps investigators look for commonalities. This may lead them to perpetrators. Take the following steps if you suspect you’ve been scammed:
- You should contact your bank right away if you’ve sent money.
- Collect any records you have of your online relationship. This includes all conversations and transactions.
- Proceed to file a police report.
- Report the incident to the dating site, if that’s where the scam started.
Falling in love is such a wonderful thing. But before you let someone steal your heart online, look out for warning signs. You wouldn’t want your love story to end in a cybercrime. After all, everyone deserves a happily ever after.
