With the rise of social media and dating apps, online dating has become a primary way for many people to find partners. However, fraudsters have also taken this opportunity to set traps, using "romance scams" to deceive and steal money. Although the other party may appear as a "rich and beautiful woman" or a "tall, rich, and handsome man," there could be a malicious scammer behind the scenes.
Common tactics used in this type of scam include:
- Appealing to Sympathy: Scammers claim that they or their family members are sick, injured, or in trouble (e.g., imprisoned) and seek financial or other assistance from the victim.
- Investment Bait: They promise high returns by offering investment advice, luring the victim into making investments.
- Distant Occupations: Scammers often claim to work far away, such as soldiers, doctors, or sailors, to delay meeting in person and ask for money transfers for various reasons.
- Help with Package Receipt: They ask the victim to help receive a package, which could be involved in illegal transactions.
- Urgent Financial Need: Once they gain the victim's trust, scammers often claim to be in urgent need of funds and request immediate money transfers.
These tactics share a common theme: scammers exploit the victim’s emotional vulnerability or sympathy, quickly establishing a "close relationship," and then asking for money or other benefits once the relationship has developed. If the victim shows suspicion, the scammer may delay by promising a meeting or a future commitment, ultimately disappearing once they get the money.
All online daters are reminded not to trust sweet words easily and not to engage in financial transactions on impulse. Even if the other person seems sincere, stay vigilant to avoid falling into a scam trap.
Experts advise maintaining rationality when dating online and staying alert to individuals with overly perfect backgrounds or who push the relationship forward unusually quickly. Avoid sharing excessive personal information or engaging in financial exchanges.
