When it comes dating online, you need to be aware of many things. With the help of the internet, people have found new ways to connect with others from all over the world. While this is a great way to meet new people, it also opens up a whole new can of worms regarding scams.
So, how can you protect yourself from these scammers? Here are some dos and don'ts to help you spot a fake profile:
1) Do a background check
Check on their social media profiles before you decide to meet up with them. See if they have any mutual friends that you know. If not, that should be a red flag right away. Also, try doing a reverse image search on Google to see if their profile picture shows anywhere else on the internet.
Most catfishers use photos of attractive people that they've found online. So, if you come across a profile that looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you are a man, the scammer will send you a photo of a beautiful woman and ask if you are willing to start a relationship They will attempt to catfish you if they see any interest..
2) Don't give away personal information
Never give personal information to someone you haven't met in person. This includes your full name, address, and date of birth. Once you provide this information to a scammer, they can use it to their advantage and try to scam you out of money.
If the person asks for personal information such as credit card information or passwords, that is a huge red flag. They may be trying to scam you by setting up a fake profile on a dating site and then asking you to pay for membership.
3) Don't send them money
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. This includes sending money through wire transfers or gift cards. Once you send the money, it's almost impossible to get it back. So, don't take the bait even if the person seems legitimate.
4) Be suspicious of strangers
Not all people are bad, but again not all people are good. Be careful when accepting friend requests from strangers. If you don't know the person, there's no reason to accept their request. Be wary of anyone who adds you on social media or sends messages out of the blue.
5) Trust your instincts
Your gut is the best indicator of whether or not something is wrong. If you have a sneaking suspicion that the person you're talking to is a scammer, trust your gut and walk away. It's better to be safe than sorry.
6) Ask your friends
Love can blind you, and you might not be able to see the red flags. If you're unsure about someone, ask your friends for their opinion. They might be able to spot something that you missed. They will also be able to provide you with emotional support if you find that the person was a scammer.
These dos and don'ts can help protect yourself from falling victim to a scammer. Catfishing is a serious problem, and may affect your life significantly So, be careful online dates, and never give away personal information or money to someone you haven't met in person.
Thanks to Stewart67 for writing this article for "People On Dating"
Thanks for reading
Will Morales
Just a conversation, No judgement
