Online dating has revolutionized dating.

And yet ….

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2020, Americans lost over $304 million to online dating scams.

This is a significant increase from previous years and highlights the need for education and awareness about these types of scams. Additionally, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 21,000 complaints about online dating scams in 2020, with the highest losses reported by victims aged 40 to 69.

Scammers, often using bots or fake profiles, prey on vulnerable individuals looking for love and companionship.

In this article, we will explore the various types of online dating scams, their prevalence and impact, and tips for staying safe while using online dating platforms.

Online Dating Scam Stories

Online dating scam stories are all too common, with individuals losing not only money but also their emotional well-being.

Dating scams range from monetary to well, deadly.

One victim reported sending over $150,000 to a scammer who claimed to be a soldier stationed overseas.
Another victim was scammed out of $300,000 by a person claiming to be a businessman in need of help with a business deal.
In 2017, a man named Olayinka Ilumsa Sunmola was sentenced to 27 years in prison for scamming women through online dating sites. He posed as a US Army captain and convinced several women to send him money.
In 2015, a woman named Dee Dee Moore was convicted of murdering a man she had been catfishing for over a year. She had posed as a wealthy woman on an online dating site to lure him in, and then stole his identity and money.

These stories highlight the need for caution when using online dating platforms.

TYPES OF DATING SCAMS

There are several types of online dating scams, including:

ONLINE DATING SCAM BOTS
Online dating scams bots are a common tactic used by scammers. These bots are automated programs that are designed to mimic real people and engage in conversations with unsuspecting users.
They often use generic messages and try to lure users into sending money or personal information.
romance scams
In the romance scam, the scammer pretends to be looking for a romantic relationship in order to gain the trust of their victims. These scammers often use pictures and information stolen from real people to create their fake profiles.
LONG-DISTANCE DATING SCAMS
A variation of the romance scam, the long distance scam involves the scammer pretending to live in a different country or region, are also prevalent. Once trust is built, the scammer will ask for money to help with travel expenses or other emergencies.
Military scam
Similar to the long-distance scam, this one revolves around the scammer claiming to be a US soldier living overseas (think Afghanistan, Syria, etc.). Once trust is built, the scammer asks for money for service-related things like travel expenses, medical fees, and even marriage processing fees. This type of scam has become so prevalent that the US Army has created numerous task force organizations to tackle it!
WHATSAPP SCAM
One example of a new online dating scam is the use of WhatsApp. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and then move the conversation to WhatsApp, a messaging app that allows them to continue the scam without the oversight of the dating app company. They may use this opportunity to ask for money or personal information, or to send malware or phishing links.

Sadly, getting back lost money can be tricky to nearly impossible.

A lot of the scammers are very savvy and use untraceable email addresses, multiple routing accounts, cyber cafes and VPN technology.

What are Some Online Dating Red Flags

Red flags that people should look out for when using dating sites and apps include:

Requests for personal information or money before meeting in person
Unusually attractive or professionally taken photos
Lack of personal information on the person's profile
Inconsistencies in their story or information they provide
Pressure to move the conversation off the dating site or app
Hot (positive/flattering) and cold (negative/critical) responses
Suggestions that the victim isolate themselves and cut off connections to friends and family

HOW TO STAY SAFE?

So, how can we protect ourselves from online dating scams? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be wary of anyone who asks for money or personal information, especially if you have not met in person
Be suspicious of generic messages or messages that seem too good to be true
If they don’t have a Dateafied seal, do your own research, such as searching for the person's name or photos online
Use a reputable dating app or website that has security measures in place
Trust your instincts and be cautious of anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable

In conclusion, online dating scams are a growing problem that can have serious consequences for victims. By being aware of the various types of scams, their prevalence and impact, and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can enjoy the benefits of online dating while staying safe.

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you'd like to improve your dating profile description and attract more dates, check out how to get Date Verified and date more often.